Definition

Noun: 1. A book containing examples of handwriting for learners to imitate: A copybook is a traditional educational tool, typically used by students, that presents models of well-formed letters, words, or sentences. The learner's task is to reproduce these models by hand to practice and improve their penmanship. 2. (By extension) A perfect or flawless example to be followed: Used figuratively to describe an action, performance, or piece of work that is so exemplary it could serve as a model for others.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Literal):
  • The schoolchildren carefully traced the letters in their copybooks.
  • In the 19th century, students learned cursive writing from a copybook.
• Noun (Figurative):
  • His performance in the final was copybook; every shot was executed perfectly. (Note: used adjectivally here).
  • The engineer followed the safety procedures to the letter; it was a copybook operation.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "A blot on one's copybook": This is a common idiomatic expression meaning a mistake or disgraceful action that spoils a person's otherwise good record or reputation.
  • The arrest for drunk driving was a serious blot on his copybook and cost him his promotion.

Variants and Related Words

• Copybook (adjective): Used to describe something done exactly according to the rules or model; textbook-perfect.
  • The pilot executed a copybook landing in difficult conditions.
• Copy: As a verb, meaning to write or reproduce something. The "copy" in "copybook" derives from this sense of imitation.

Synonyms

• Model book
• Exemplar (for the figurative sense)
• Paradigm (for the figurative sense)
• Textbook example (for the figurative sense)

Idioms and Phrases

• Blot your copybook: To do something that damages your good reputation.
  • He had a flawless career until he blotted his copybook with that financial scandal.

Noun

1. a book containing models of good penmanship; used in teaching penmanship