Definition

Noun: A book containing blank sheets of paper, typically bound, used by artists for drawing preliminary studies, rough designs, or quick drawings.

Usage

A sketchbook is a portable tool for capturing ideas, practicing techniques, or observing subjects. It is commonly used by artists, designers, architects, and students. * She always carries a sketchbook to draw people on the train. * The concept artist filled an entire sketchbook with ideas for the film's characters. * He flipped through his old sketchbook to find the initial drawing for the painting.

Advanced Usage

• "To keep a sketchbook": To regularly use a sketchbook as a practice or observational habit.
  • As an exercise, the instructor asked the students to keep a sketchbook for a month.
• Conceptual Use: Can refer metaphorically to a collection of undeveloped or preliminary ideas.
  • The proposal is still in its sketchbook phase, with many details to be finalized.

Variants and Related Words

• Sketch pad (noun): A pad of paper for sketching, often not permanently bound like a book.
• Drawing book (noun): A general term for a book of paper used for drawing.

Synonyms

• Drawing book
• Scrapbook (when used for collecting assorted drawings or clippings)

Idioms and Phrases

• A page from someone's sketchbook: An idea or work representative of someone's early or characteristic style.
  • That quick portrait is like a page from her sketchbook—spontaneous and full of life.

Noun

1. a book containing sheets of paper on which sketches can be drawn