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

Shelves are stocked with everything from children’s books and paperbacks to rare finds, priced at $2 for Step Into Reading children’s books, $4 for paperbacks and other children’s books, $8 for hardcovers at $8 and rare books individually priced. — Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 19 Aug. 2026

Otherwise, upgrade your work bag with this roomy tote that fits a laptop yet can be folded into the size of a paperback book. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026

As a testament to its popularity, Better Than the Movies has been appeared on the New York Times monthly YA paperback list for 44 consecutive months and its weekly YA hardcover list for 20 weeks. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 July 2026

Memphis Moon is available internationally in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle editions. — William Jones, USA Today, 30 July 2026

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