Hardcover: meaning, definitions and examples

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hardcover

 

[ ˈhɑːrdˌkʌvər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

book format

A hardcover refers to a book bound with rigid protective covers, typically made from cardboard and often cloth or paper. It is generally more durable than a paperback edition, making it a popular choice for collectors and libraries. Hardcovers often come with a dust jacket, which not only protects the book but also serves as a marketing tool. The thickness of the cover provides better protection from wear and tear, ensuring a longer lifespan for the book.

Synonyms

casebound, hardback

Examples of usage

  • I bought a hardcover of my favorite novel.
  • The library offered many new hardcovers on display.
  • He prefers hardcovers because they last longer.

Translations

Translations of the word "hardcover" in other languages:

🇵🇹 capa dura

🇮🇳 हार्डकवर

🇩🇪 Hardcover

🇮🇩 sampul keras

🇺🇦 тверда обкладинка

🇵🇱 twarda oprawa

🇯🇵 ハードカバー

🇫🇷 couverture rigide

🇪🇸 tapa dura

🇹🇷 sert kapak

🇰🇷 하드커버

🇸🇦 غلاف صلب

🇨🇿 pevná vazba

🇸🇰 pevná väzba

🇨🇳 精装书

🇸🇮 trda vezava

🇮🇸 hartcover

🇰🇿 қатты мұқаба

🇬🇪 მყარი ყდა

🇦🇿 sərt qabıq

🇲🇽 tapa dura

Etymology

The term 'hardcover' originated in the early 20th century, with its roots in the printing and publishing industries. The increase in the production of books during the Industrial Revolution made it necessary to create more durable book formats. Unlike earlier books that were often bound using leather or soft materials, publishers began to use rigid boards covered with cloth or paper to encase the pages of a book. This not only enhanced the book's strength but also allowed for more elaborate designs and styles. By the mid-20th century, hardcovers became synonymous with quality and permanence in the book market, leading to their popularity among readers and collectors alike.