Definition

A short work of fiction that is longer than a short story but shorter than a full novel.

Example

She wrote a novelette that was published in a literary magazine.

Conversation

Have you ever read a novelette?

No, I haven’t! What’s it about?

It's a short novel that tells a complete story in fewer pages.

That sounds interesting! I might try one soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Novelette** → It is formed from "novel" (from Italian *novella*, meaning a short story or news) and the diminutive suffix "-ette" (meaning small or little). The word "novelette" refers to a small or short novel, typically a brief fictional narrative.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'novel' as a longer story, and the '-ette' means small, so a 'novelette' is a small story.

Visually Confused Words