Definition

1. Noun:
   • An elaborate, large-format book designed for display: A "coffee-table book" is a large, expensive, and visually impressive book, often featuring high-quality photographs or illustrations on a specific subject. Its primary purpose is to be displayed on a coffee table or similar surface for casual browsing and as a decorative conversation piece, rather than for intensive reading from cover to cover.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Their living room featured a beautiful coffee-table book about Renaissance art.
  • He received a lavish coffee-table book on classic automobiles as a gift.
  • These books are not just for reading; they are coffee-table books meant to be seen and admired.

Advanced Usage

• As a descriptor of style or intent: The term can be used adjectivally to describe other items or projects that prioritize visual appeal and presentation over deep, functional content.
  • The magazine's new travel guide is more of a coffee-table book production, with stunning photography but minimal practical information.

Variants and Related Words

• Tome (n): A large, heavy, scholarly book. (Note: A "tome" implies dense reading material, while a "coffee-table book" emphasizes visual display.)
• Art book (n): A book showcasing visual art. (Many art books are designed as coffee-table books.)
• Illustrated book (n): A book containing many pictures or diagrams.

Synonyms

• Showpiece book: A book intended primarily for display.
• Oversize book: A book of unusually large dimensions.
• Display book: A book meant for ornamental presentation.

Related Phrases

• Coffee-table book material: A phrase describing content or a subject that is visually suited for such a book.
  • The photographer's landscapes are pure coffee-table book material.

Related Idioms

• (To be) more than just a coffee-table book: An idiom used to praise a visually impressive book for also having substantial, high-quality written content.
  • This history of architecture is more than just a coffee-table book; the essays are incredibly well-researched.

Noun

1. an elaborate oversize book suitable for displaying on a coffee table