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

In Conversation Books by Adam Johnson, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Sarah Moss, and more are arriving in paperback this September. — Literary Hub, 31 Aug. 2026

Yen Press released an English translation in digital and paperback formats in 2020. — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026

The new paperback edition retains the classic story that charmed young readers, while bringing a new design and package. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026

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

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