trade book

noun

1. a book designed for the general public and available through an ordinary book dealer, as distinguished from a limited-edition book, textbook, mass market paperback, etc.

trade book

noun

1. an ordinary edition of a book sold in the normal way in shops, as opposed to a de luxe or mail-order edition

Word History and Origins

Origin of trade book¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

During his tenure, the company’s trade book division won at least a half-dozen Pulitzer Prizes.

From New York Times

Sales of trade books — that is, consumer fiction and nonfiction — rose more than 40%.

From Los Angeles Times

Three-quarters of trade book revenue last year derived from hardcover and paperback sales, according to the Association of American Publishers.

From Washington Post

The trade book case was led by Bookends & Beginnings, a bookseller in Evanston, Illinois.

From Reuters

The Little Free Library nonprofit organization announced this week that Albuquerque will help volunteers create small spaces where residents can trade books.

From Washington Times