What is a short story..?

Question

Stupid question, but whatever.

Answer 1

short story is a summary of a real(original sized) story

Answer 2

In terms of literary criticism it's a literary medium, just like the novel, novella, etc.  What distinguishes this medium of fiction from others is conciseness and is less complex than longer works for structural purposes and limits.  Many authors are specifically known for their mastery of this medium, like Vonnegut and A.S. Byatt.  In the past, most specifically throughout the 19th century, authors would write short stories first in newspapers and journals to get their name and work out there, and if success followed, would develop these short stories into longer novellas or novels.  But today, most people will write a short story to be a short story.  

Answer 3

Its basically like a normal story but with less details and getting right to the point.  

Answer 4

A story that is short.