paperback
Adjective
- Describes a book that has a flexible, typically paper-based cover, as opposed to a rigid hardcover.
Noun
- A book that is bound with a flexible paper or cardstock cover.
As an Adjective: Used before a noun to specify the type of binding.
- I prefer the paperback edition because it's lighter and cheaper.
- The paperback version will be released six months after the hardcover.
As a Noun: Used to refer to the physical book itself.
- She was reading a thick paperback on the train.
- This classic novel is now widely available as a paperback.
"Paperback original": A book first published in paperback format, not initially released as a hardcover.
- Many genre novels, especially in mystery and science fiction, started as paperback originals.
"Trade paperback": A higher-quality paperback, often with larger dimensions and better paper than a mass-market paperback, sometimes blurring the line with hardcovers.
- The academic text was published as a sturdy trade paperback.
Paperbacked (adj.): Less common past participle form, meaning made into a paperback.
- The series was later paperbacked for a wider audience.
Mass-market paperback: A small, inexpensive paperback format designed for wide distribution in places like airports and supermarkets.
- Hardcover (n. & adj.): The antonym; a book with rigid protective covers.
- Softcover (n. & adj.): A direct synonym.
- Softback (n. & adj.): A less common synonym.
In paperback: The state of being available as a paperback book.
- Is that new biography out in paperback yet?
Paperback book: A common collocation that explicitly uses the noun form.
- The shelf was filled with well-worn paperback books.
- (of books) having a flexible binding
- a book with paper covers