used book
Previously owned tome
A used book is one that has been owned before, typically purchased secondhand rather than new.
Used books may show wear—creased spines, marginal notes, previous owners' names—but cost less than new copies.
I found a first edition at the used book store.
The category spans everything from dog-eared paperbacks to collectible rarities.
Previously belonging to another
- thriftCareful use of resources
- bargainFavorable purchase price
- dog-earedCorners folded from use
- yellowedFaded to cream
worn · creased · marked · annotated · foxed · ex-library · remaindered · tattered
Book with flexible cover
- hardcoverRigid-bound book format
- spineColumn of vertebrae
- bindingLegally or morally required
- coverProtect by overlaying
pages · dust jacket · bookmark · dog-eared · yellowed pages · marginalia · underlining · highlighting
Original published version
- antiqueOld valued collectible
- rareSeldom found or seen
- hardcoverRigid-bound book format
- bookplateVolume ownership label
inscribed · signed · out-of-print · limited edition · dust jacket · slipcase · gilt-edged · vintage
New and unusual
- textbookAcademic subject manual
- biographyWritten life account
- anthologyCollected literary works volume
- poetryMetrical literary composition
nonfiction · fiction · mystery · romance · reference · manual · guide · memoir
Shop selling printed works
- online sellerVendor operating via internet
- auctionCompetitive public sale
- dealerOne who sells goods
- booksellerLiterature retail merchant
trade-in · consignment · donation · resale · swap · catalog · inventory · appraisal
preowned
Previously belonging to another
yellowed · worn · creased · marked · annotated · foxed · ex-library · remaindered · tattered · shopworn
paperback
Book with flexible cover
cover · pages · dust jacket · bookmark · dog-eared · yellowed pages · marginalia · underlining · highlighting · annotations
first edition
Original published version
bookplate · inscribed · signed · out-of-print · limited edition · dust jacket · slipcase · gilt-edged · vintage · heirloom
novel
New and unusual
- textbookAcademic subject manual
- biographyWritten life account
- anthologyCollected literary works volume
poetry · nonfiction · fiction · mystery · romance · reference · manual · guide · memoir · classic
bookstore
Shop selling printed works
- online sellerVendor operating via internet
- auctionCompetitive public sale
- dealerOne who sells goods
bookseller · trade-in · consignment · donation · resale · swap · catalog · inventory · appraisal · listing
- secondhand goodshand-me-downs, pre-owned items, donated clothes, refurbished electronics, vintage clothing
- paperback booksmass market, trade paperback, pocket edition, cheap edition, reprint
used bookebook
Downloadable text file
audiobook · PDF · digital download · audio recording · podcast