The word "bindery" is spelled with three syllables: [ˈbaɪn.də.ri]. The first syllable is pronounced as "bye" (meaning farewell) with an "n" sound added at the end. The second syllable is pronounced with a "duh" sound. The final syllable is pronounced as "ree" with an "i" sound at the end. "Bindery" refers to a place where books are bound, repaired, or otherwise prepared for publication. It can also refer to a business that provides these services.
bindery noun
The bindery refers to a specialized department or area within a printing or publishing company where the final stages of book production, specifically the binding and finishing processes, take place. It is dedicated to transforming loose sheets or signatures into a complete and finished book. The bindery department plays a crucial role in ensuring that books are properly prepared and assembled before being made available for distribution.
In the bindery, skilled binders and bookbinders utilize various techniques and equipment to convert printed materials into a cohesive product. These operations typically include tasks such as folding, collating, stitching, gluing, trimming, and casing-in. The bindery professionals are responsible for meticulously organizing and processing various components, including covers, endpapers, dust jackets, and the inner text block, to craft a neatly bound book that is aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound.
The bindery is equipped with a wide range of machinery such as cutting machines, folding machines, stitching machines, and perfect binders, which facilitate the efficient and accurate execution of binding operations. The workers in the bindery department typically possess exceptional manual dexterity, attention to detail, and a comprehensive understanding of binding techniques and materials.
Overall, the bindery department represents an integral component of the book production process, ensuring that books are transformed from loose pages into fully bound and finished products that are ready to be distributed to readers, bookstores, and libraries.
A binder's workshop.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "bindery" has an etymology tied to the practices of bookbinding and the production of bound books. It is derived from the Middle English term "bynderie", which in turn comes from the Old French word "benderie". This Old French word was derived from the verb "bendre", meaning "to bind" or "to tie". The term "bindery" was originally used to refer to the physical space or workshop where binding activities were carried out, such as bookbinding, cutting, folding, and stitching. Over time, it has become commonly used to refer to the entire business or profession of bookbinding as well.