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

Quentin Roseman of the Haldols was there, chatting with Veronica Vector, the director, by the table of vintage paperbacks. — Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026

The small paperback is child-size with colorful pages and a simple story, to be read to, or by, children. — Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026

Supporters say the new paperback edition, released by Macmillan Publishers, is just as relevant today as when the book first came out. — Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026

My biography, which is now in paperback, is an effort to bring the woman and her life into vivid color. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 19 Oct. 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