How to pronounce paperback
Say it like PAY-per-bak. Paperback has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce paperback. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PAY
- per
- bak
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Paperback pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- perKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- bakGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of paperback
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PAY-puh-bak.
What does paperback mean?
- a book with paper covers
- (of books) having a flexible binding
Where does paperback come from?
From paper + back, a shortening of the older term paper-backed book.
Questions about saying paperback
How do you pronounce paperback?
Say PAY-per-bak. The American pronunciation is /ˈpeɪpɚˌbæk/. In British English it is /ˈpeɪpəˌbæk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in paperback?
Paperback has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAY). Broken into parts: PAY · per · bak.
Is paperback pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈpeɪpəˌbæk/ (PAY-puh-bak).