1. The covers and fastening materials that hold the pages of a book together; the craft or process of binding books.
Usage: Plural form of bookbinding; Can refer to both the physical covers and the craft itself
2. Decorative or protective covers made of leather, cloth, or other materials used on bound books.
Usage: Often refers to the aesthetic or artistic aspect of book covers

Examples

• The library's rare book collection features beautiful leather bookbindings from the 18th century.
• She studied the art of bookbindings to learn how to restore antique volumes.
• The museum displayed various historical bookbindings showing different techniques and styles.
• Victorian bookbindings often featured ornate gold lettering and embossed designs.
• He collected first editions specifically for their fine cloth bookbindings.
• The bookbindings on these volumes were hand-stitched and hand-tooled by master craftspeople.