paperback

noun

pa·​per·​back ˈpā-pər-ˌbak 

: a book with a flexible paper binding

paperback adjective

or less commonly paperbacked

ˈpā-pər-ˌbakt 

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

They are printed in a slightly larger paperback format to show off the art and make the stories easier to read. —Rob Wieland, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

Data from Bowker Books in Print showed a collapse of new adult nonfiction paperback titles by 42% from 2019 to 2024, to just under 40,000. —Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Mar. 2025

For Van Pelt, however, having the paperback edition out in the world is just as exciting. —Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025

The publishing industry reported a revenue increase of 7% for hardback books last year compared to 2023, and more than 4% for paperbacks, along with an approximately 3% increase for e-books. —Dean Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for paperback

• almanac
• camelback
• cardiac
• carryback
• cluniac
• diamondback
• lumberjack
• maniac
• piggyback
• quarterback
• saddleback
• stickleback

Kids Definition

paperback

noun

pa·​per·​back ˈpä-pər-ˌbak 

: a book with a flexible paper binding

paperback adjective