bil·dungs·ro·man \ˈbilˌdu̇ŋ(k)srōˌmän, -u̇ŋzr-\noun (pluralbil·dungsroma·ne \-nə\ ; orbildungsromans) Usage: usually capitalized Etymology: German, from bildung education, culture + roman novel : a novel about the usually early development or spiritual education of the main character < a long, detailed Bildungsroman >