Softcover: meaning, definitions and examples

Softcover is a general term for books with a flexible, non-rigid cover. This term is neutral and can be used in a variety of situations where the book's cover material is not hard and rigid.

• I prefer softcover books because they are lighter and easier to carry.
• The novel is available in both hardcover and softcover editions.

Paperback specifically refers to books that have a paper cover, usually with glue binding. It is a term often used in the context of mass-market books, novels, and other easily accessible reading materials.

• I'll wait for the paperback version; it's usually cheaper than the hardcover.
• She collects paperback editions of classic literature.

Flexibound typically refers to books that have a flexible cover which is more durable than standard paperback but not as rigid as hardcover. It's often used for high-quality editions of books meant to be more portable.

• The travel guide is flexibound, making it durable yet easy to handle.
• I bought a flexibound journal for my sketches.

It is the same as 'softcover' mentioned earlier; this term can be used interchangeably with 'paperback' in casual conversation.

• She picked out a softcover copy of the new bestseller.
• Softcover editions are easier to handle and usually less expensive.

This term is used similarly to 'softcover' but more often emphasizes the cost-effectiveness and mass-market nature of the book. It’s frequently used by readers, booksellers, and in retail contexts.

• I bought the paperback binding of the latest thriller because it's cheaper than the hardcover version.
• Many students prefer textbooks with paperback binding for their affordability.

This term is more specialized and is often used by publishers and bookstores. It generally refers to a type of binding that combines features of both hardcover and softcover bindings, offering some rigidity but also flexibility.

• The special edition of the cookbook has a flexibound binding that makes it more durable for frequent use in the kitchen.
• For added strength and durability, we opted for a flexibound binding for the reference manual.