Definition

1. Noun:
   • A blue booklet used in universities for writing examinations: A small, bound book with a blue cover, traditionally provided to students for writing their answers during formal exams.
   • A register of persons who are socially prominent: A directory or listing of individuals considered to be part of high society or notable in social circles.
   • A report published by the British government; bound in blue: An official report or document issued by the UK government, historically distinguished by its blue paper cover.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The professor handed out the blue books before the final exam began.
  • Her family's name has been listed in the social blue book for generations.
  • The committee's findings were detailed in an official government blue book.

Advanced Usage

• "to blue-book something" (verb, informal): To write a lengthy, formal, or detailed report or answer, often under exam conditions.
  • I had to blue-book three essay questions in just two hours.

Variants and Related Words

• Blue book value (n): A standard reference listing the average market price of used cars or other items. (Note: This is a related compound term, not a direct meaning of "blue book" alone).
  • According to the blue book value, the car is worth about $8,000.

Synonyms

• Exam booklet: For the university test meaning.
• Social register: For the list of prominent persons.
• Government report / White paper: For the official publication (though "white paper" is more common for policy proposals).

Related Phrases

• Out of the blue book (idiom, playful): A pun on the idiom "out of the blue," suggesting something unexpected drawn from formal or official knowledge.
  • His detailed historical reference seemed to come out of the blue book.

Noun

1. a blue booklet used in universities for writing examinations
2. a register of persons who are socially prominent
3. a report published by the British government; bound in blue