• Dictionary
  • Word comparison: paperback vs. hardcover

paperback vs. hardcover

paperback vs. hardcover: ’s the difference?

Paperback and hardcover are both types of books—each name is based on the material used for the book’s cover. Paperbacks have a thin, cardstock-like cover, while hardcovers have a thicker, rigid cover. In many cases, the first edition of a book is a hardcover, while later editions may be a (usually less expensive) paperback. Some books, notably “genre fiction” like sci-fi novels, are known for only ever being released in paperback, while others, such as textbooks, are usually only hardcovers.

paperback

noun

  1. a book bound in a flexible paper cover, often a lower-priced edition of a hardcover book.

adjective

  1. (of a book) bound in a flexible paper cover:

    a paperback edition of Orwell's novel.

  2. of, for, or pertaining to paperbacks:

    a paperback bookstore.

hardcover

noun

  1. a book bound in cloth, leather, or the like, over stiff material:

    Hardcovers are more durable than paperbacks.

adjective

  1. bound in cloth, leather, or the like, over stiff material:

    a hardcover series.

  2. noting or pertaining to hardcover books:

    hardcover sales.