paperback

noun

pa·​per·​back ˈpā-pər-ˌbak How to pronounce paperback (audio)
: a book with a flexible paper binding
paperback adjective
or less commonly paperbacked

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 Bargain Books Boise has been a staple, offering an extensive collection of used paperback and hardback books for nearly 30 years. Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 5 July 2024 Fortunately, Vintage released a smaller paperback edition in honor of its 20th anniversary. Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 4 July 2024 Pansies comes out from Sourcebooks Casablanca on Nov. 5, in both e-book and paperback, and is available for preorder now, wherever books are sold. Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 24 June 2024 Or, if you’re headed for a longer wellness trip, this bag makes for the perfect carry-on tote, with plenty of room for your sunnies, toiletries, and paperback. Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for paperback 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paperback.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paperback was in 1843

Dictionary Entries Near paperback

Cite this Entry

“Paperback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paperback. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

paperback

noun
pa·​per·​back ˈpä-pər-ˌbak How to pronounce paperback (audio)
: a book with a flexible paper binding
paperback adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on paperback

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!