apologue

noun

ap·o·logue ˈa-pə-ˌlȯg

-ˌläg

Synonyms of apologue next

: an allegorical narrative usually intended to convey a moral

Examples of apologue in a Sentence

the film is an apologue of sorts, but the message is couched in a zany and action-filled plot

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin apologus "tale, fable," borrowed from Greek apólogos "tale, fable, allegory," from apo- apo- + lógos "word, speech, story" — more at legend

First Known Use

circa 1555, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of apologue was circa 1555

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

apologize for

apologue

apology

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Apologue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apologue. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

Copy Citation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Popular in Wordplay

apologue

noun

Synonyms

Examples of apologue in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

hobgoblin