comic-book
|com-ic-book|
🇺🇸
/ˈkɑmɪkˌbʊk/
🇬🇧
/ˈkɒmɪkˌbʊk/
book of illustrated/graphic stories
Etymology
'comic-book' originates from English, specifically the words 'comic' + 'book', where 'comic' referred to something humorous or relating to comedy and 'book' meant a written or printed work.
'comic' comes from Greek 'komikos' (via Latin 'comicus'), meaning 'of or pertaining to comedy', and 'book' comes from Old English 'bōc' (related to 'beech' historically as writing on beechwood). The compound 'comic book' developed in the early 20th century to name inexpensive magazines that collected comic-strip stories; by the 1930s–1940s the hyphenated form 'comic-book' was common in print.
Initially, 'comic' primarily meant 'funny' or 'pertaining to comedy', and 'comic book' originally emphasized humorous strips; over time the meaning broadened to include illustrated sequential storytelling in many genres (superhero, drama, fantasy), not just comedy.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a magazine or paperback publication that presents stories told primarily through sequential art (panels of illustrations) often accompanied by text, speech balloons, and captions.
She bought a vintage comic-book at the flea market.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a single issue or installment in a series of comics (e.g., issue #1, issue #2).
The first comic-book in the series sold out in hours.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or resembling the style, format, or content typical of comic books (used attributively, usually hyphenated).
The film uses comic-book visuals and bright colors to mimic the source material.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/23 15:41