bookbinding

1 of 2

noun (1)

book·​bind·​ing ˈbu̇k-ˌbīn-diŋ How to pronounce bookbinding (audio)
1
: the art or trade of binding books
2
: the binding of a book
bookbinder
ˈbu̇k-ˌbīn-dər How to pronounce bookbinding (audio)
noun
bookbindery
ˈbu̇k-ˌbīn-d(ə-)rē How to pronounce bookbinding (audio)
noun

bookbindery

2 of 2

noun (2)

book·​bind·​ery ˈbu̇k-ˌbīn-d(ə-)rē How to pronounce bookbindery (audio)
plural -es
: a place where bookbinding is done

Examples of bookbinding in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The notebooks are handmade in Smythson’s bookbinding workshop in Hertfordshire, England. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Like the Standish, the building, a redbrick former bookbinding factory that takes up an entire block, was painstakingly restored in 2014 to keep its 1885 historic facade. — Bridget Read, Curbed, 1 Sep. 2026 The abstract look is replicated using the ancient technique used in bookbinding, but can pass as a retro home decor piece in your living room. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 12 May 2026 An ancient art form still practiced by hand, bookbinding is finding new life at the Harcourt Bindery, a small shop in Charlestown. — Rachel Holt, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bookbinding

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun (2)

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bookbinding was in the 15th century

Rhymes for bookbinding

See All Rhymes for bookbinding

Browse Nearby Words

bookbindery
bookbinding
book boat
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Cite this Entry

“Bookbinding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bookbinding. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bookbinding

noun
book·​bind·​ing -ˌbīn-diŋ How to pronounce bookbinding (audio)
1
: the binding of a book
2
: the art or trade of binding books

More from Merriam-Webster on bookbinding

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bookbinding

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