paperback

C2 Topic:Literature & Storytelling

US /ˈpeɪ.pɚˌbæk/ UK /ˈpeɪ.pə.bæk/ See IPA manual

Freq #38563

Meanings

1

noun
a book bound with a flexible paper or card cover

She bought a lightweight paperback to read on the train.
2

adj
published or bound with a flexible paper cover

The novel appeared in paperback format a year after its first edition.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 noun · a book bound with a... softbackpaperbound book

2 adj · published or bound with a... paperboundsoftcover

More softcover book

Opposites

hardbackhardcover

Word family

Derived forms paperbacked

Related forms binding book edition hardback

Appears in

Phrases (1)

See all

paperback book
a book bound with flexible paper or card covers

Noun + noun

Etymology

Formed from paper + back, shortening the older phrase paper-backed book. The name contrasts its flexible paper cover with the rigid boards of a hardback.

Topics

Literature & Storytelling General Vocabulary

External links

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