paperback

noun

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Seth Wickersham, a top sports journalist with ESPN in Bristol for over 25 years, has assembled his best work into a nearly 500-page paperback collection. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 Also on the lobby level, a corner shop sells downloadable newspapers and magazines, snacks, and classic Penguin paperbacks. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 The work earned Barber the admiration of President Bill Clinton and became a best-seller in paperback following the 9/11 attacks. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026 Lion Hearts, the third novel in his Essex Dogs trilogy, a thriller series set in 14th-century France and England, is now in paperback. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paperback

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paperback was in 1843

Rhymes for paperback

See All Rhymes for paperback

Browse Nearby Words

paper
paperback
paper-bag bush
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Cite this Entry

“Paperback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paperback. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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

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