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

While sheets of paper, magazines, paperback books, and mail can be recycled, shredded paper is too small for machines to sort. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Nov. 2025

Packed practical tutorials, tool tips and ideas drawing from Hanna’s experience the paperback teaches sewers of all levels a range of genius jean repair, repurpose and restyling skills. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Nov. 2025

Adult hardcover and trade paperbacks are 50 cents. —Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025

The Portable series itself would eventually branch out from hardcovers and become part of the paperback revolution that put cheap editions of classic literature into the hands of millions. —Michael Gorra, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 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