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Glite Dictionary
novelet

novelet

7.7
A short, light work of fiction longer than a short story
  • noun
  • /ˈnɒvəlɛt/
  • Literature
translation icon : noveleta
  • After reading the short story, I couldn't wait to dive into the author's new novelet for more of her engaging style.

Examples

  • Also scheduled for our 1/2K issue is a lush novelet by Dale Bailey set in the South, "The Anencephalic Fields."

    Fiction book (1999)

  • The following novelet, which was published in a limited edition by A.S.A.P. a few months ago, marks Mr. Blaylock's first appearance in these pages.

    Fiction book (1998)

  • "Locusts" is one of the creepiest novelets we have read in a long, long time.

    Fiction book (1996)

  • Her latest novelet explores the themes of love and loss in a small town.

  • He published a charming novelet that delighted readers with its whimsical characters.

Synonyms

novella
vsnovelet
  • Literature
20 5.3

A short fiction book longer than a short story but shorter than a novel

is often lighter and more sentimental in style
novelette
vsnovelet
  • Literature
2 6.3

A short work of fiction between a short story and a novel

is usually lighter and more sentimental in tone
nouvelle
vsnovelet
  • Literature
8.2

A short book of fiction longer than a short story but shorter than a novel

is used generally and not tied to French literature

How Long

novel
794 2.4
novella
  • Literature
20 5.3
novelet
  • Literature
7.7
short story
  • Literature
105 2.3
drabble
  • Jargon
1 8.8

Surface Forms

novelet singular
novelets plural

Morphology

novelet = novel (transparent) = novel + ette

Formed from the noun 'novel' with a diminutive suffix meaning a shorter or smaller novel, which learners can readily infer.

Etymology

The word novelet comes from novel plus the small ending -et, so it means a 'small' novel. That's why a novelet is a short, light piece of fiction you can read quickly.