paperback

noun

pa·​per·​back ˈpā-pər-ˌbak How to pronounce paperback (audio)
: a book with a flexible paper binding
paperback adjective
or less commonly paperbacked

Examples of paperback in a Sentence

The store sells both paperbacks and hardcovers. The book is sold only in paperback.
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.
The paperback version is available at Carmichael's Bookstore at 1259 Bardstown Road and 2720 Frankfort Ave. The Courier-Journal, 4 Nov. 2024 Later, the film’s producers refused to grant the movie’s art and name to the paperback version of the book — as is customary, theoretically enhancing the promotion of both properties — which incensed the usually docile Mezrich. Simon Van Zuylen-Wood, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024 Mirroring the look of a vertical bookcase, this would be right at home holding your favorite paperbacks, plants, and other knickknacks in addition to your kicks. Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 24 Oct. 2024 The big picture: The genre has moved beyond the bodice-ripper, grocery store paperbacks with open-shirted, long-haired Fabio on the cover. Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for paperback 

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paperback was in 1843

Dictionary Entries Near paperback

Cite this Entry

“Paperback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paperback. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

paperback

noun
pa·​per·​back ˈpä-pər-ˌbak How to pronounce paperback (audio)
: a book with a flexible paper binding
paperback adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on paperback

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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