# novelist

/ˈnɑvəɫəst/ (US) · /nˈɒvɪlˌɪst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/novelist
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. writer of fiction

noun · CEFR B1

a person who writes novels, which are long books telling a story about imaginary people.

For teachers: an author who writes novels, typically as a professional or artistic pursuit.

- She decided to become a novelist after her first short story won a prize.
- The novelist spent three years researching historical archives to ensure the setting of her latest book was entirely accurate.

### 2. an innovator

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

someone who introduces new ideas or changes.

For teachers: an innovator or person who introduces novelties; historically used for those favouring new developments.

- In the old text, he was described as a novelist of social customs.
- The seventeenth-century essayist used the term novelist to describe those political thinkers who sought to overturn established traditions.

Usage: This sense is no longer used in modern English to describe writers.

## Examples

- She is a famous novelist who writes mystery stories.
- The young novelist spent three years researching historical archives before finishing her first book.
- While many writers experiment with short stories or poetry, becoming a successful novelist requires the stamina to maintain a coherent narrative arc over hundreds of pages.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.