Softcovers

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of book binding that uses flexible, often lightweight material for the cover
2. Books produced with a non-rigid exterior, typically less durable than hardcovers
3. A common format for published works designed for easier handling and transport

Etymology: "Softcovers" is the plural of "softcover," a compound of "soft" and "cover." Like many publishing terms, it was formed to contrast with "hardcover," so the pair names the binding by setting a quality against its opposite. "Soft" comes from Old English "softe," meaning gentle to the touch. "Cover" entered English through Old French "covrir" from Latin "cooperire," meaning "to cover completely," built from "co-" and "operire," "to close or shut." In bookmaking, the cover is the outer protective wrapper or boards, so a softcover is a book whose outer layer is flexible card or paper rather than rigid board.

Synonyms: paperbacks, flexible covers