bible paper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical/Printing
Quick answer
What does “bible paper” mean?
A very thin, strong, and opaque type of paper, traditionally used for printing Bibles and other large reference books to minimize bulk.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very thin, strong, and opaque type of paper, traditionally used for printing Bibles and other large reference books to minimize bulk.
Any thin, lightweight, high-quality paper designed for printing books where compactness and durability are priorities. The term can also be used metaphorically for extremely thin paper in general.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is used identically in both printing and publishing industries.
Connotations
Connotes high-quality, specialist manufacturing. In everyday use, it's a known but niche term.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, primarily confined to publishing, bookbinding, and stationery contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bible paper” in a Sentence
[Book/edition] + printed on + bible paperbible paper + [property adjective e.g., thin, strong, opaque]a + [sheet/ream] + of + bible paperVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bible paper” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The bible-paper finish felt luxurious to the touch.
American English
- It was a bible-paper edition of the complete Shakespeare.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in publishing and printing negotiations: 'The compact dictionary will be printed on bible paper to reduce shipping costs.'
Academic
Mentioned in studies of book history, material culture, or print technology.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used when describing a very thin book: 'This travel guide is so thin, it's like bible paper.'
Technical
Precise term in paper manufacturing, specifying weight (gsm), opacity, and tensile strength for specific end-uses.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bible paper”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bible paper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bible paper”
- Using 'bible paper' to refer to any paper with a religious text printed on it.
- Capitalising it as a proper noun: 'Bible Paper' (not standard).
- Confusing it with 'vellum' or 'parchment' (which are animal skins).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes. 'India paper' was the original 19th-century term for this thin, strong paper. 'Bible paper' became the common term based on its most famous use. Today, 'bible paper' is the standard term in publishing.
It is a specialised product. While you can purchase very thin, high-quality papers, true bible paper as used in major publishing is often made to specific orders for large print runs and is not typical office stationery.
It is named after its most iconic and widespread use: printing Bibles. The need to fit the entire text into a portable, single volume necessitated the development of this thin, durable paper.
No, that's a common misconception. Despite its thinness, it is engineered for high tensile strength and durability, making it resistant to tearing under normal use in a bound book.
A very thin, strong, and opaque type of paper, traditionally used for printing Bibles and other large reference books to minimize bulk.
Bible paper is usually formal, technical/printing in register.
Bible paper: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪb(ə)l ˈpeɪpə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪb(ə)l ˈpeɪpər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[as] thin as bible paper (emphasizing extreme thinness)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a Bible's compact thickness. A book of a thousand pages feels slim because it's printed on 'bible paper'.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITY/REFINEMENT IS THINNESS (in this specific context, where thinness equates to advanced, desirable manufacturing).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining characteristic of bible paper?