Softcover (noun)

1. A book bound with a flexible cover, typically made of paper or cardboard, as opposed to a hardcover.
2. A book bound with a flexible cover, typically made of paper or cardboard, as opposed to a hardcover, and it's cheaper than the hardcover.

Origin:

The word "softcover" is thought to be a combination of the words "soft" and "cover" referring to the type of cover of a book, where it is a flexible cover as opposed to a hardcover. it is first recorded in use in the early 20th century.

Examples:

1. The novel is available in both hardcover and softcover.
2. The softcover edition of the book is cheaper than the hardcover one.
3. He preferred softcover books because they were lighter and more portable.
4. The softcover book was easy to carry in her bag.
5. The library only had the softcover version of the book.