First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1book
noun \ˈbu̇k\
: a set of printed sheets of paper that are held together inside a cover : a long written work
: a long written work that can be read on a computer
: a set of sheets of paper that are inside a cover and that you can write information on
Full Definition of BOOK
1
a : a set of written sheets of skin or paper or tablets of wood or ivory b : a set of written, printed, or blank sheets bound together into a volume c : a long written or printed literary composition d : a major division of a treatise or literary work e : a record of a business's financial transactions or financial condition —often used in plural <the books show a profit> f : magazine 4a g : e-book
2
capitalized : bible 1
3
: something that yields knowledge or understanding <the great book of nature> <her face was an open book>
4
a (1) : the total available knowledge and experience that can be brought to bear on a task or problem <tried every trick in the book> (2) : inside information or analysis <the book on him is that he can't hit a curveball> b : the standards or authority relevant in a situation <run by the book>
5
a : all the charges that can be made against an accused person <threw the book at him> b : a position from which one must answer for certain acts : account <bring criminals to book>
6
a : libretto b : the script of a play c : a book of arrangements for a musician or dance orchestra : musical repertory
7
: a packet of items bound together like a book <a book of stamps> <a book of matches>
8
9
: the number of tricks a cardplayer or side must win before any trick can have scoring value
— book·ful \ˈbu̇k-ˌfu̇l\ noun
— in one's book
: in one's own opinion
— in one's good books
: in favor with one
— one for the book
: an act or occurrence worth noting
— on the books
: on the records
See book defined for English-language learners
See book defined for kids
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Origin of BOOK
Middle English, from Old English bōc; akin to Old High German buoh book, Gothic boka letter
Other Publishing Terms
2book
adjective
: learned from reading books and not from experience
Full Definition of BOOK
1
: derived from books and not from practical experience <book learning>
2
: shown by books of account <book assets>
See book defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BOOK
13th century
Other Education Terms
3book
verb
: to make arrangements so that you will be able to use or have (something, such as a room, table, or seat) at a later time
: to make arrangements for (someone) to do, use, or have something at a later time
: to schedule a performance or appearance by (someone, such as a musician)
Full Definition of BOOK
transitive verb
1
a : to register (as a name) for some future activity or condition (as to engage transportation or reserve lodgings) <he was booked to sail on Monday> b : to schedule engagements for <book the band for a week> c : to set aside time for d : to reserve in advance <book two seats at the theater> <were all booked up>
2
a : to enter charges against in a police register b of a referee : to note the name or number of (as a soccer player) for a serious infraction of the rules
intransitive verb
1
: to make a reservation <book through your travel agent>
2
chiefly British : to register in a hotel —usually used with in
3
— book·able \ˈbu̇-kə-bəl\ adjective, chiefly British
— book·er noun
See book defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BOOK
1807
BOOK Defined for Kids
1book
noun \ˈbu̇k\
Definition of BOOK for Kids
1
: a set of sheets of paper bound together
2
: a long written work <a book about birds>
3
: a large division of a written work <the books of the Bible>
4
: a pack of small items bound together <a book of matches>
5
: the records of a business's accounts —often used in pl. <a credit on the books>
2book
verb
bookedbook·ing
Definition of BOOK for Kids
: to reserve for future use <He booked rooms at the hotel.>
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