"Dime novel" refers to a type of inexpensive paperback book that gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These novels were typically sold for ten cents, hence the name "dime novel." They often featured sensational and melodramatic stories, focusing on adventure, romance, crime, and the Wild West. Dime novels were a form of entertainment accessible to a wide audience, providing an affordable escape into thrilling narratives.