hardback

noun

hard·​back ˈhärd-ˌbak How to pronounce hardback (audio)
: a book bound in hard covers

Examples of hardback in a Sentence

The store sells only hardbacks. The book is sold only in hardback.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While Another Roadside Attraction failed to garner much attention when it was first published in hardback, the paperback edition steadily became a word-of-mouth hit, especially on college campuses. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025 The few copies of her books that remained reached fantastic prices on the open market (a hardback first edition of Twice Lost costs $300 today), and so people who had copies, usually antiquarians or mystery enthusiasts, described the stories to those who couldn’t find or afford them. Joanna Biggs, Harper's Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024 The upcoming paperback edition, set for release on Nov. 12, will feature exclusive content not included in the original hardback. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 20 Sep. 2024 Ideal as a Christmas or birthday gift or just as a way to inspire young minds, this large-format, full-colour hardback is a must-have for every child's bookshelf. The Week Junior, theweek, 3 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for hardback

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hardback was in 1953

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Cite this Entry

“Hardback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardback. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

hardback

noun
hard·​back ˈhärd-ˌbak How to pronounce hardback (audio)
: a book bound in hard covers

More from Merriam-Webster on hardback

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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