noun
Uncommon
paperback
PAY-puh-bak
Paperback (noun) means a book bound in a flexible paper cover rather than a stiff board one. Example: “She picked up a cheap paperback for the flight.”
noun
1
A book bound in a flexible paper cover rather than a stiff board one.
"She picked up a cheap paperback for the flight."
"The hardback comes out first; the paperback follows months later."
How to use paperback
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA book with a soft, bendable cover, usually cheaper than a hardcover edition.
Common pairings
a paperback edition
paperback novel
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Word forms
- Plural
- paperbacks
- Third person singular
- paperbacks
- Past tense
- paperbacked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She picked up a cheap _____ for the flight.
Etymology
From paper + back, shortened from the older phrase "paper-backed book."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for paperback
See all rhymes for paperback →Frequently asked questions
What does “paperback” mean?
The word “paperback” means a book bound in a flexible paper cover rather than a stiff board one. In plain terms, a book with a soft, bendable cover, usually cheaper than a hardcover edition.
How do you pronounce “paperback”?
“Paperback” is pronounced PAY-puh-bak (/ˈpeɪ.pɚˌbæk/ in IPA).
How do you use “paperback” in a sentence?
Here is “paperback” used in a sentence: “She picked up a cheap paperback for the flight.”
What part of speech is “paperback”?
“Paperback” is a noun.
Is “paperback” a common word?
“Paperback” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a paperback and a hardback?
A paperback has a flexible paper cover, while a hardback (or hardcover) is bound with stiff board covers. Paperbacks are lighter, cheaper to produce, and less durable, which is why publishers often release a hardback edition first and a paperback edition later at a lower price.
Why are paperback editions usually released after hardbacks?
Publishers typically sell the hardback first at a higher price to capture the most eager buyers and reviewers, then release a cheaper paperback edition months later to reach a wider, price-sensitive audience. This staggered release helps maximize total revenue from a single title.
Are paperback books less durable than other bindings?
Yes, because a paperback's flexible paper cover offers less protection than a stiff board cover, its pages and spine are more prone to bending, creasing, and wear over repeated use.
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