Definition of: novel

(nov′əl) noun
1. A fictional prose narrative of considerable length, representing characters and events as if in real life by a plot or scheme of action of greater or less complexity.
2. The particular type of literature exemplified by fiction of this character: with the definite article: Dostoevsky is one of the fathers of the modern novel.
3. In Roman law, a new constitution or decree supplemental to a decree.
4. Usually plural A novella. See synonyms under FICTION.
—adjective Of recent origin; new, strange, or unusual. See synonyms under FRESH, MODERN, NEW. [Fusion of Ital. novella a novel and OF novel new, both <LL novellus <L novus new]
—nov′el·ly adjective