nonbook

American  

[non-book] / ˈnɒnˌbʊk /

noun

1. a book without artistic or literary merit or substance, especially one that has been developed primarily to exploit a fad or make a profit quickly.

   After the very public spectacle, several nonbooks quickly appeared, filled with psychological claptrap attempting to explain the event.

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adjective

1. of or relating to a book without artistic or literary merit.

2. relating to or indicating what is not a book.

   pens and other nonbook items for sale in the bookstore.

3. Library Science. relating to or indicating a holding other than a book, as a DVD, map, or art print.

   For a small rural library, their nonbook collection was surprisingly large.

Etymology

Origin of nonbook

First recorded in 1925–30; nonbook def. 1 was first recorded in 1960–65; non- + book

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nonbook

Various accounts indicated their aim was less to sell books than to promote Prime membership and perhaps some nonbook products.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 6, 2022

And while books are the most obvious casualty, bookstore staff are struggling to obtain nonbook items as well.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 4, 2021

Analysts and investors have taken Mr. Boire’s appointment as a sign that the company will continue to expand and emphasize its nonbook merchandise.

From New York Times ● Dec. 3, 2015

Though sales to nonbook retailers can be more complicated and labor-intensive for publishers, books are generally sold on a nonreturnable basis.

From New York Times ● Feb. 28, 2011

One summer seller that people are still reading and discussing is a slim nonbook titled The Best.

From Time Magazine Archive

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