hardback

noun

hard·​back ˈhärd-ˌbak How to pronounce hardback (audio)
Synonyms of hardbacknext
: a book bound in hard covers

Examples of hardback in a Sentence

The store sells only hardbacks. The book is sold only in hardback.
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.
The rigid enforcement of the NBA introduced another era of expensive hardbacks, giving a new lease of life to the middle-class circulating libraries. — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026 Most drawing books for beginners come in hardback, paperback and e-tablet versions. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 1 Sep. 2026 An 88-page hardback book is included with both the LP and CD super deluxe editions. — Chris Willman, Variety, 29 July 2026 Paperbacks normally range from $5 to $10 and hardbacks go from $8 to $15. — Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hardback

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hardback was in 1953

Rhymes for hardback

See All Rhymes for hardback

Browse Nearby Words

hard-ass
hardback
hardbake
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hardback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardback. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hardback

noun
hard·​back ˈhärd-ˌbak How to pronounce hardback (audio)
: a book bound in hard covers

More from Merriam-Webster on hardback

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