Word
hardback
Phoneticshard·back, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɑɹdˌbæk/
UK/hˈɑːdbæk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a book that has a hard cover made of thick cardboard or plastic. These books are usually more expensive and last longer than paperbacks.
n. a book bound in rigid protective covers, typically made of thick cardboard or plastic. Often associated with higher production quality and durability compared to paperback editions.
Examples
“I prefer buying a hardback book for my collection.”
“The library decided to replace the worn paperbacks with hardbacks to ensure the books lasted longer for students.”
“While digital formats have gained popularity, many collectors still seek out the tactile weight and aesthetic appeal of a first-edition hardback.”
Examples
simple
“I prefer buying a hardback book for my collection.”
contextual
“The library decided to replace the worn paperbacks with hardbacks to ensure the books lasted longer for students.”
complex
“While digital formats have gained popularity, many collectors still seek out the tactile weight and aesthetic appeal of a first-edition hardback.”
Real-World Examples
“I had a collection of fairytales in a big yellow hardback, which I was totally entranced by from around the age of seven to 10.” Etymology
From hard + back, formed in analogy to earlier paperback.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/hardback