book

/buk/
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book

A child reads a book in a cozy armchair.

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.
book

A child reads a book in a cozy armchair.

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