Hardcover vs. Softcover — What's the Difference?

A hardcover, hard cover, or hardback (also known as hardbound, and sometimes as case-bound) book is one bound with rigid protective covers (typically of binder's board or heavy paperboard covered with buckram or other cloth, heavy paper, or occasionally leather). It has a flexible, sewn spine which allows the book to lie flat on a surface when opened.

Not bound between hard covers

(of a book) bound in stiff covers; hardback

A softcover book.

A book bound in stiff covers; a hardback.

Having covers made of paper or thin cardboard; paperback.

Having a rigid binding, as of cardboard covered with cloth or with leather. Used of books.

(publishing) A book having such covers.

A hardcover book.

A book with a rigid binding, often of cardboard or leather.

(of a book) Having a rigid binding.

A book with cardboard or cloth or leather covers

Having a hard back or cover;