book

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/bʊk/
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Written information kept together for reading, reference, or future arrangements.
Practice using book in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • There is a mistake in the books.
  • The bookmaker opened a book on the race.
  • The referee booked the defender.
  • They booked a band for the wedding.
  • The officer booked two people that night.

Similar words

reserve
section
schedule
caution
pad
pad
part
schedule
division
card

Meanings

Published work to read

noun
reading
neutral
A written work for reading, whether on paper or on a screen.

Examples

  • I borrowed a book from the library.
  • She is reading a book about birds.
  • This book has beautiful pictures.
  • He wrote a book for children.
  • I downloaded the book to my tablet.

Similar words

volume
publication
work

Bound pages to write in

noun
writing
neutral
Pages fastened together for writing notes or other information.

Examples

  • Write your answer in your book.
  • Her book is full of drawings.
  • He opened a blank book.
  • Keep this book for your notes.
  • The child's book has lined pages.

Similar words

notebook
pad

Set of fastened tickets or stamps

noun
stationery
neutral
A group of small items fastened together like pages.

Examples

  • She bought a book of stamps.
  • I have a book of raffle tickets.
  • He pulled one match from the book.
  • The book of tickets is in my bag.
  • Each book holds twenty coupons.

Similar words

booklet
pad

Business accounts

noun
accounting
neutral
The written records of a business's money and transactions, usually in the plural.

Examples

  • She keeps the books for the shop.
  • The accountant checked the books.
  • There is a mistake in the books.
  • Our books show a small profit.
  • They closed the books at the end of the year.

Similar words

accounts
ledgers
records

Part of a longer written work

noun
religion
neutral
A named section of a large written work, especially the Bible.

Examples

  • The Book of Genesis begins the Bible.
  • She read a book of the Bible each month.
  • That story appears in the second book.
  • He studied the Book of Psalms.
  • The poem is divided into twelve books.

Similar words

section
part
division

Record of bets

noun
betting
neutral
A record of bets on the result of a race or other event.

Examples

  • The bookmaker opened a book on the race.
  • She studied the book before placing a bet.
  • There was no book on that match.
  • He kept a book for every race.
  • The book showed bets on three teams.

Similar words

betting record
ledger

Reserve ahead

verb
travel
neutral
To arrange in advance to use a seat, room, service, or event place.

Examples

  • We booked a room for Friday.
  • Please book your ticket early.
  • She booked a table for two.
  • Can I book a seat on the train?
  • They booked the hall for a party.

Similar words

reserve
arrange
schedule

Arrange a performer

verb
entertainment
neutral
To hire or arrange for someone to perform at a planned event.

Examples

  • They booked a band for the wedding.
  • We booked a singer for Saturday.
  • The theatre booked a comedian.
  • She booked the speaker for the conference.
  • The school booked an entertainer for the children.

Similar words

hire
engage
schedule

Record an offence

verb
law
informal
To officially record someone's name after they are accused of an offence.

Examples

  • The officer booked him for speeding.
  • Police booked the driver after the stop.
  • He was booked for the offence.
  • The officer booked two people that night.
  • She was booked but later released.

Similar words

charge
cite
record

Caution a player

verb
sport
neutral
For a referee to officially record a player for breaking a rule.

Examples

  • The referee booked the defender.
  • He was booked for a late tackle.
  • The player got booked in the first half.
  • The referee booked both players.
  • She was booked after the foul.

Similar words

caution
warn
card

Etymology

From Old English bōc, a book or document, and bōcian, to grant by written record, of Germanic origin.

FAQ

What is a book?

Most often, a written work that can be read in print or electronically.

Can book be a verb?

Yes. It commonly means to reserve a place or service ahead of time.

What is the past tense of book?

It is booked.

What are the books of a business?

Its records of money and transactions.

What does it mean when police book someone?

They officially record that person in connection with an alleged offence.

What does it mean for a referee to book a player?

The referee formally cautions the player for breaking a rule.

Comments & contributions

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