Crossword Genius

Little ones are novel (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

women

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'little ones' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for women that I've seen before include "half of our race" , "Adult human females" , "Ladies" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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