nov·el·ette / ˌnävəˈlet/ • n. chiefly derog. a short novel, typically one that is light and romantic or sentimental in character.DERIVATIVES: nov·el·et·tish adj.

Novelette (Eng.), Novellette (Ger.). A term introduced by Schumann as a compliment to the Eng. soprano Clara Novello as the title for his 8 pf. pieces Op.21, 1838. They have no individual titles but each, says the composer, is to be taken as the mus. equivalent of a romantic story. A few other composers have adopted the term: it has no special connotation as to form.