Definition

1. Noun:

   • A physical object for reading or writing: A set of printed or blank pages fastened together along one side and bound between covers.
   • A major division of a long text: A significant section within a larger written work, such as a part of the Bible or another religious text.
   • A set of records or accounts: A record, ledger, or register where information (like financial transactions or facts) is systematically written down.
   • A set of rules or standards: A collection of established regulations or procedures that serve as an official guide.
   • A set of related items bound together: A collection of things like tickets, stamps, or matches fastened together in a small pack.

2. Verb:

   • To reserve something in advance: To arrange and secure a service, ticket, or accommodation for a future time.
   • To make an official record of something: To enter details, such as a charge or a name, into a register or official log.
   • To engage someone for a performance or event: To schedule an artist, speaker, or performer for an appearance.

Examples

• Noun:

  • She is reading a fascinating book about ancient history.
  • The accountant checked the books to find the error.
  • The police officer followed the book during the investigation.
  • He bought a book of matches at the store.

• Verb:

  • We need to book a hotel room for our vacation.
  • The librarian will book the returned items in the system.
  • The band was booked to play at the festival for three nights.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in someone's good/bad books": To be in favor or disfavor with someone.

  • He's been in the manager's good books ever since he solved that major problem.

• "To bring someone to book": To hold someone accountable or punish them for wrongdoing.

  • The authorities vowed to bring the corrupt officials to book.

• "To throw the book at someone": To punish or charge someone as severely as possible.

  • The judge threatened to throw the book at the repeat offender.

Variants and Related Words

• Booklet (n): A small, thin book, often with paper covers; a pamphlet.

  • The museum provides a free booklet about the exhibition.

• Bookish (adj): Fond of or devoted to reading and studying; more acquainted with books than with real life.

  • He has a bookish manner and loves spending time in the library.

• Booking (n): An act of reserving accommodation, a ticket, etc.

  • I made a booking for two at the restaurant.

Synonyms

• Noun: Volume, tome, publication, ledger, register, manual.
• Verb: Reserve, schedule, register, record, engage.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Book in/Book into: To register one's arrival, especially at a hotel.

  • We booked into the hotel just after noon.

• Book up: To reserve all the available places or times.

  • The concert was completely booked up months in advance.

Related Idioms

• "Don't judge a book by its cover": Do not form an opinion about someone or something based solely on appearance.

  • The restaurant looks simple from outside, but don't judge a book by its cover—the food is amazing.

• "To be a closed book": To be a subject or person that one does not understand or know anything about.

  • Advanced physics is a closed book to me.

• "To cook the books": To falsify financial records.

  • The company executive was arrested for cooking the books.

Noun

1. a number of sheets (ticket or stamps etc.) bound together on one edge
   • he bought a book of stamps
2. a major division of a long written composition
   • the book of Isaiah
3. the sacred writings of the Christian religions
   • he went to carry the Word to the heathen
4. the sacred writings of Islam revealed by God to the prophet Muhammad during his life at Mecca and Medina
5. a collection of rules or prescribed standards on the basis of which decisions are made
   • they run things by the book around here
6. a collection of playing cards satisfying the rules of a card game
7. a record in which commercial accounts are recorded
   • they got a subpoena to examine our books
8. a written version of a play or other dramatic composition; used in preparing for a performance
9. a compilation of the known facts regarding something or someone
   • Al Smith used to say, `Let's look at the record'
   • his name is in all the record books
10. physical objects consisting of a number of pages bound together
    • he used a large book as a doorstop
11. a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
    • I am reading a good book on economics

Verb

1. register in a hotel booker
2. record a charge in a police register
   • The policeman booked her when she tried to solicit a man
3. arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance
   • reserve me a seat on a flight
   • The agent booked tickets to the show for the whole family
   • please hold a table at Maxim's
4. engage for a performance
   • Her agent had booked her for several concerts in Tokyo