Paperback vs. Softbound — What's the Difference?

A paperback, also known as a softcover or softback, is a type of book characterized by a thick paper or paperboard cover, and often held together with glue rather than stitches or staples. In contrast, hardcover or hardback books are bound with cardboard covered with cloth, plastic, or leather.

Not bound between hard covers

A book having a flexible paper binding.

(of a book) With a cover of flexible paper rather than a rigid cardboard cover.

A book with flexible binding.

(of a book) Having flexible binding.

To issue or publish (a book) in a paperback edition.

A book with paper covers; - contrasted with hardback or hardcover.

Having a flexible binding; - of books. Contrasted to hardcover or hardbacked or hardbound.

A book with paper covers

(of books) having a flexible binding