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book definition

book (bo̵ok)

noun

    1. a number of sheets of paper, parchment, etc. with writing or printing on them, fastened together along one edge, usually between protective covers
    2. a literary or scientific work, anthology, etc. so prepared, distinguished by length and form from a magazine, tract, etc.
  1. any of the main divisions of a long written or printed work, as of the Bible
    1. a set of blank or ruled sheets or printed forms bound in a tablet, for the entry of accounts, records, notes, etc. an account book
    2. the records or accounts, as of a business, kept in such a book or books
  2. something regarded as a subject for study the book of life
  3. the body of facts, traits, or circumstances connected with a person or subject, esp. as being understandable, evident, etc. [an open book] or obscure, done with, etc. a closed book
  4. studies; lessons
    1. the words of an opera or musical play; libretto
    2. the script of a play
  5. a booklike package, as of matches or tickets
    1. a list or record of bets taken and the odds given, as by bookmakers on horse races
    2. Slang bookmaker (sense )
  6. Bridge a certain number of tricks that must be won before additional tricks count in the score; specif., the first six tricks won by the declarer

Etymology: ME bok < OE boc, pl. bec < PGmc *bokiz, beech, beechwood tablets carved with runes < IE *bhagos, beech > beech, Gr phagos, L fagus

transitive verb

  1. to record in a book; list
  2. to engage ahead of time, as rooms, transportation, performers or performances, etc.
  3. to record charges against on a police record
  4. to take (bets) as a bookmaker

adjective

in, from, or according to books or accounts

Related Forms:

book Idioms

bring to book

  1. to force to explain; demand an accounting from
  2. to reprimand

by the book

according to the rules; in the prescribed or usual way

close the book on

  1. to put an end to
  2. to put an end to further consideration, discussion, etc. of

close the books

Bookkeeping to make no further entries, balance the books, and draw up statements from them

in one's book

in one's opinion

in one's good (or bad) books

in (or out of) one's favor, or good graces

in the book

in all that is known and practiced in connection with a particular activity to know every trick in the book

keep books

to keep a record of business transactions

know (or read) like a book

to know well or fully

make book

Slang to make or accept a bet or bets

one for the books

Informal something notably surprising, shocking, or unexpected

on the books

  1. recorded
  2. listed; enrolled

the Book

the Bible

the book

Informal any set of rules, pronouncements, etc. regarded as authoritative

throw the book at

  1. Slang to place every possible pertinent charge against (an accused person)
  2. to deal out the maximum in punishment, penalty, etc. to

write the book on

Informal
  1. to be the definitive authority or expert on
  2. to be the embodiment of she wrote the book on selfishness

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:
book Synonyms

book

n.

  1. A bound volume

    publication, work, volume, booklet, paperback, tome, pamphlet, literary work, reprint, preprint, offprint, hardcover, softcover, text, edition, title, brochure, manual, album, folio, copy, opus, opuscule, vade mecum, monograph, writing, codex, scroll, incunabulum, periodical, octavo, magazine, quarto; see also biography, dictionary, novel.

    Kinds of books include: fiction book, nonfiction book, manual, handbook, enchiridion, children's or juvenile book, primer, reader, grammar, novel, atlas, gazetteer, chapbook, cookbook, guidebook, story book, song book, trade book, reference book, logbook, textbook, workbook, hymnbook or hymnal, prayer book, audio book, catalog, bible or Bible, treatise, libretto, tract, thesis, portfolio, album, dissertation.

  2. A division of a literary composition

    canto, chapter, part, volume; see division 2.

  3. An account of transactions

    record, register, roster, ledger; see list, record 1.

bring to book

reprimand, call to account, demand an explanation; see censure, examine 2.

by the book

according to the rules, properly, correctly, strictly; see accurately, legally 1, officially 1.

in one's book

in one's opinion, for oneself, to one's mind; see personally 2.

in one's good books

in favor, in one's good graces, liked, favored; see approved, favorite, honored.

in the book*
know like a book

understand, comprehend, be familiar with; see know 1.

make book*

bet, risk, wager; see bet, gamble 1.

off the books

unreported, unrecorded, undocumented; see illegal, secret, secretly.

one for the books*

source of amazement, shock, novelty; see surprise 2.

on the books
throw the book at*

deal out the maximum punishment, charge with every possible offense, be overzealous with; see accuse, punish.


book

v.

  1. To record charges against

    charge, take into custody, prefer charges; see accuse, arrest 1.

  2. To engage ahead of time

    engage, schedule, reserve; see hire 1, maintain 3, program 1.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

book Usage Examples

Object

  • appointment: Practice Resources needed Minimum of 8 weeks to book an appointment with the local MP.

Converse of object

  • read: Read books about prayer or a book of prayers, being prepared to stop reading in order to pray.

Adjective modifier

  • printed: Wood's printed books have been defined as a printed archive rather than a library.

Modifies a noun

  • review: You can also contact the book review staff directly.

Noun used with modifier

  • log: Log books are diaries kept by the head teacher.

Possessives

  • enumerator: Enumeration District - identifies the census enumerator's book within which the page can be found.

Preposition: in

  • advance: Booking information: Groups wishing to visit the exhibition should book in advance.
book usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

book quotes

   A reader seldom peruses a book with pleasure until he knows whether the writer of it be a black man or a fair man, of a mild or choleric disposition, married or a bachelor.

-Addison,Joseph

Omnis mundi creatura Quasi liber et pictura Nobis est, et speculum. Each creature of the world Is as a book, a picture, And a mirror to us.

-Alan of Lille also known as  'Alanus de Insulis'

[The translator] will find one English book and one only, where, as in the Iliad itself, perfect plainness of speech is allied with perfect nobleness; and that book isthe Bible.

-Arnold, Matthew

book quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"book." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/book>

APA Style

book. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/book

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