paperboard

American

[pey-per-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈpeɪ pərˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

a thick, stiff cardboard composed of layers of paper or paper pulp compressed together.

adjective

of, relating to, or made of paperboard.

paperboard British

/ ˈpeɪpəˌbɔːd /

noun

1. a thick cardboard made of compressed layers of paper pulp; pasteboard
2. ( as modifier )
  
  a paperboard box

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of paperboard

First recorded in 1540–50; paper + board

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The New York-based company’s Tetra Paks—four-sided paperboard cartons emblazoned with palm trees—lead the coconut water pack, dominating the U.S. market with a 44% market share.

From Barron's • Nov. 13, 2025

Wiedmann acknowledged that due to its intricacy, the dairy processing equipment for single-serving paperboard cartons is tricky to clean.

From Science Daily • Mar. 11, 2024

What’s more, the aseptic cartons themselves are designed to be recyclable, and are usually made from around 70 percent paperboard.

From National Geographic • Dec. 12, 2023

Annual production of paper and paperboard has grown by about 60 percent since 1993, according to statistics collected by the United Nations.

From Slate • Aug. 29, 2023

Only the 6.6-ounce size pouches of Capri Sun Wild Cherry Flavored Juice Drink Blend have been recalled; the packaging includes individual foil pouches packed in paperboard cartons.

From Salon • Aug. 18, 2022

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023