Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense books, present participle booking, past tense, past participle booked
1. countable noun
A book is a number of pieces of paper, usually with words printed on them, which are fastenedtogether and fixed inside a cover of stronger paper or cardboard. Books contain information, stories, or poetry, for example.
His eighth book came out earlier this year and was an instant best-seller.
'Robinson Crusoe' is one of the most famous books in the world.
...the author of a book on politics.
...a book about witches.
...reference books.
Synonyms: work, title, guide, volume More Synonyms of book
2. countable noun
A bookof something such as stamps, matches, or tickets is a small number of them fastenedtogether between thin cardboard covers.
Can I have a book of first class stamps please? [+ of]
3. verb
When you book something such as a hotel room or a ticket, you arrange to have it or use it at a particular time.
British officials have booked hotel rooms for the women and children. [VERB noun]
Laurie revealed she had booked herself a flight home last night. [VERB noun noun]
...three-star restaurants that are normally booked for months in advance. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: reserve, schedule, engage, line up More Synonyms of book
4. plural noun
A company's or organization's books are its records of money that has been spent and earned or of the names of people who belong to it.
[business]
For the most part he left the books to his managers and accountants.
Around 12 per cent of the people on our books are in the computing industry.
5. verb
When a referee books a football player who has seriously broken the rules of the game, he or she officially writes down the player's name.
The referee booked him in the first half for a tussle with the goalie. [VERB noun]
6. verb
When a police officer books someone, he or she officially records their name and the offence that they may becharged with.
They took him to the station and booked him for assault with a deadly weapon. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: charge More Synonyms of book
7. countable noun
In a very long written work such as the Bible, a book is one of the sections into which it is divided.
8. See also booking, cheque book, phone book
9.
See to be in someone's bad books
10.
See bring sb to book
11.
See a closed book
12.
See fully booked/booked solid
13.
See in my book
14.
See to throw the book at someone
15. to cook the books
16. to take a leaf from someone's book
Phrasal verbs:
See book in
More Synonyms of book
book in British English
(bʊk)
noun
1.
a number of printed or written pages bound together along one edge and usually protected by thick paper or stiff pasteboard covers
See also hardback, paperback
2.
a.
a written work or composition, such as a novel, technical manual, or dictionary
b.
(as modifier)
the book trade
book reviews
c.
(in combination)
bookseller
bookshop
bookshelf
bookrack
3.
a number of blank or ruled sheets of paper bound together, used to record lessons, keep accounts, etc
4. (plural)
a record of the transactions of a business or society
5.
the script of a play or the libretto of an opera, musical, etc
6.
a major division of a written composition, as of a long novel or of the Bible
7.
a number of tickets, sheets, stamps, etc, fastened together along one edge
8. bookmaking
a record of the bets made on a horse race or other event
9.
(in card games) the number of tricks that must be taken by a side or player before any trick has a scoring value
in bridge, six of the 13 tricks form the book
10.
strict or rigid regulations, rules, or standards (esp in the phrases according to the book, by the book)
11.
a source of knowledge or authority
the book of life
12.
a telephone directory (in the phrase in the book)
13. the book
14. an open book
15. a closed book
16. bring to book
17. close the book on
18. close the books
19. cook the books
20. in my book
21. in someone's bad books
22. in someone's good books
23. keep the books
24. on the books
25. read someone like a book
26. throw the book at
verb
27.
to reserve (a place, passage, etc) or engage the services of (a performer, driver, etc) in advance
to book a flight
to book a band
28. (transitive)
to take the name and address of (a person guilty of a minor offence) with a view to bringing a prosecution
he was booked for ignoring a traffic signal
29. (transitive)
(of a football referee) to take the name of (a player) who grossly infringes the rules while playing, two such acts resulting in the player's dismissal from the field
30. (transitive) archaic
to record in a book
Word origin
Old English bōc; related to Old Norse bōk, Old High German buoh book, Gothic bōka letter; see beech (the bark of which was used as a writing surface)
book in American English
(bʊk)
noun
1.
a.
a number of sheets of paper, parchment, etc. with writing or printing on them, fastened together along one edge, usuallybetween protective covers
b.
a literary or scientific work, anthology, etc. so prepared, distinguished by length and form from a magazine, tract, etc.
2.
any of the main divisions of a long written or printed work, as of the Bible
3.
a.
a set of blank or ruled sheets or printed forms bound in a tablet, for the entry of accounts, records, notes, etc.
an account book
b. [usually pl.]
the records or accounts, as of a business, kept in such a book or books
4.
something regarded as a subject for study
the book of life
5.
the body of facts, traits, or circumstances connected with a person or subject, esp. as being understandable, evident, etc. [an open book] or obscure, done with, etc.
a closed book
6. [pl.]
studies; lessons
7.
a.
the words of an opera or musical play; libretto
see also score
b.
the script of a play
8.
a booklike package, as of matches or tickets
9.
a.
a list or record of bets taken and the odds given, as by bookmakers on horse races
b. Slang
bookmaker (sense 2)
10. Bridge
a certain number of tricks that must be won before additional tricks count in the score; specif., the first six tricks won by the declarer
verb transitive
11.
to record in a book; list
12.
to engage ahead of time, as rooms, transportation, performers or performances, etc.
13.
to record charges against on a police record
14.
to take (bets) as a bookmaker
adjective
15.
in, from, or according to books or accounts
Idioms:
bring to book
by the book
close the book on
close the books
in one's book
in one's good (or bad) books
in the book
keep books
know (or read) like a book
make book
one for the books
on the books
the Book
the book
throw the book at
write the book on
Derived forms
booker (ˈbooker)
noun
Word origin
ME bok < OE boc, pl. bec < PGmc *bokiz, beech, beechwood tablets carved with runes < IE *bhagos, beech > beech, Gr phagos, L fagus
book in Accounting
(bʊk)
Word forms: (present) books, (past) booked, (perfect) booked, (progressive) booking
verb
(Accounting: Financial statements)
If you book revenue, profit, or losses, you record or recognize them in a particular accounting period.
COLLOCATIONS: ~ revenue~ a profit~ a loss
The executives were accused of improperly deferring expenses and booking revenue early, in an effort to improve results.
The way the company accounts for long-term contracts is often to book a profit on the sale for income that will be received only over many years.
If you book revenue, profit, or losses, you record or recognize them in a particular accountingperiod.
We booked our favourite hotel because this was to be our last visit.
The Sun (2016)
Its prices include car rental and it can book flights.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We concluded that the form book did fly out of the window but not very far.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
People are booking their summer holiday for next year now.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
All the time a book keeps them company.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He said these are my life story books.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We were also writing the book together.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The best way to keep costs down is to book in advance and take advantage of any voucher codes.
The Sun (2016)
My next book is about football.
The Sun (2016)
When people read the book they will see the real respect many people have for him.
The Sun (2012)
Why pick up one of my books on church planting?
Christianity Today (2000)
The ref booked players for pulling shirts all night so he had to go.
The Sun (2016)
Nine per cent said that booking a holiday was the main cause of conflict at work.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He plans to write a book about his experience.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
For proof we need look no further than a new book.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Now see this classic picture book brought to life.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
This is useless to you as you expect only to book flights in future.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Use your tokens with the booking form online.
The Sun (2015)
The company can book campsites and provide picnic baskets and electric bikes.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
You can also book hotels and cars.
The Sun (2014)
These are presented in the third part of the book.
The Times Literary Supplement (2010)
My eye ran along the book shelves.
John Cornwell Seminary Boy (2006)
You can always book another class to hone your skills.
The Sun (2013)
These tables have been booked weeks in advance.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The designer was furious when she heard about the book.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
How many of his other books could you name?
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
That part of her life was a closed book and to open it would cause her terrible distress.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The result was the most interesting and important book about football to appear inItaly.
John Foot Calcio: A History of Italian Football (2006)
A referee will book a diver only when he is almost absurdly certain that a dive has taken place.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Quotations
A good book is the precious life-blood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond lifeJohn MiltonAreopagitica
All books are divisible into two classes, the books of the hour, and the books of all timeJohn RuskinSesame and Lilies
There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly writtenOscar WildeThe Picture of Dorian Gray
Style and Structure are the essence of a book; great ideas are hogwashVladimir Nabokov
All books are either dreams or swords, You can cut, or you can drug, with wordsAmy LowellSword Blades and Poppy Seeds
Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digestedFrancis BaconEssays
The reading of all good books is like conversation with the finest men of past centuriesRené DescartesDiscourse on Method
All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they had really happenedErnest Hemingway
Books succeed, And lives failElizabeth Barrett BrowningAurora Leigh
Books are where things are explained to you; life is where things aren'tJulian BarnesFlaubert's Parrot
Even bad books are books and therefore sacredGünter GrassThe Tin Drum
I never read a book before reviewing it; it prejudices a man soRevd Sidney Smith
A room without books is as a body without a soulJohn Lubbock
When I am dead, I hope it may be said: `His sins were scarlet, but his books were read.'Hilaire BellocOn His Books
No furniture so charming as booksRevd Sidney Smith
Books will speak plain when counsellors blanchFrancis BaconEssays
Of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the fleshBible: Ecclesiastes
In other languages
book
British English: book /bʊk/ NOUN
A book consists of pieces of paper, usually with words printed on them, which are fastened together and fixed inside a cover of strong paper or cardboard.
His eighth book was an instant best-seller.
American English: book
Arabic: كِتَاب
Brazilian Portuguese: livro
Chinese: 书
Croatian: knjiga
Czech: kniha
Danish: bog
Dutch: boek
European Spanish: libro
Finnish: kirja
French: livre lire
German: Buch
Greek: βιβλίο
Italian: libro
Japanese: 本 書物
Korean: 책
Norwegian: bok
Polish: książka
European Portuguese: livro
Romanian: carte
Russian: книга
Latin American Spanish: libro
Swedish: bok läsa
Thai: หนังสือ
Turkish: kitap
Ukrainian: книжка
Vietnamese: sách
British English: book /bʊk/ VERB
When you book something such as a hotel room or a ticket, you arrange to have it or use it at a particular time.
I have booked a table in the restaurant.
American English: reserve
Arabic: يَحْجِزُ
Brazilian Portuguese: reservar fazer reserva de
Chinese: 预订
Croatian: rezervirati
Czech: rezervovat
Danish: booke
Dutch: boeken
European Spanish: reservar reservación
Finnish: varata
French: réserver
German: buchen
Greek: κάνω κράτηση
Italian: prenotare
Japanese: 予約する
Korean: 예약하다
Norwegian: bestille
Polish: zarezerwować
European Portuguese: reservar
Romanian: a rezerva
Russian: бронировать
Latin American Spanish: reservar guardar algo para lo futuro
Swedish: boka
Thai: จอง
Turkish: yer ayırtmak
Ukrainian: бронювати
Vietnamese: đặt chỗ
All related terms of 'book'
e-book
An e-book is a book which is produced for reading on a computer screen . E-book is an abbreviation for 'electronic book'.
m-book
an electronic book that can be downloaded onto a mobile phone or other handheld device
book in
When you book into a hotel or when you book in , you officially state that you have arrived to stay there, usually by signing your name in a register.
book up
to make a reservation (for); book
blue book
A blue book is an official government report or register of statistics .
book bag
a bag or satchel used esp. by a student for carrying books
book club
A book club is an organization that offers books at reduced prices to its members.
book fair
a commercial event at which publishers exhibit and trade books
book into
to reserve a room for (oneself or someone else) at (a hotel )
book list
a list of books, esp. a list of recommended or required readings
book off
to take a period of absence from work due to illness
book out
to leave or cause to leave a hotel
book post
a special system and rate for posting books
cash-book
a journal in which all cash or cheque receipts and disbursements are recorded
fly book
a booklike case to hold artificial fishing flies
Good Book
the Bible
herd-book
a book containing the pedigrees of breeds of pigs , cattle , etc
holy book
A book is a number of pieces of paper, usually with words printed on them, which are fastened together and fixed inside a cover of stronger paper or cardboard . Books contain information, stories , or poetry , for example .
lab book
a notebook used to note down experiments , hypotheses , etc, of the kind that may be carried out or formed in a laboratory
log book
A log book is a book in which someone records details and events relating to something, for example a journey or period of their life, or a vehicle .
make book
to make or accept a bet or bets
open book
a person or thing without secrecy or concealment that can be easily known or interpreted
rare book
A book is a number of pieces of paper, usually with words printed on them, which are fastened together and fixed inside a cover of stronger paper or cardboard . Books contain information, stories , or poetry, for example .
red book
a government publication bound in red, esp the Treasury's annual forecast of revenue , expenditure , growth, and inflation
rent book
a document that acts as a record of the regular amounts of money that you have paid as rent for accommodation
road book
a book of maps , sometimes including a gazetteer
rule book
A rule book is a book containing the official rules for a particular game, job, or organization.
stud book
A stud book is a written record of the breeding of a particular horse , especially a racehorse .
the book
the Bible
black book
a book containing the names of people to be punished , blacklisted , etc
book cover
the cover of a book
book group
A book group is a group of people who meet regularly to discuss books that they have read .
book jacket
a removable paper cover used to protect a bound book
book louse
any of various small, usually wingless , insects (order Psocoptera) that infest and destroy old books
book lover
a person who enjoys reading and reads more than the average person
book lungs
primitive lungs of many arachnids , consisting of pagelike layers of tissue over which air circulates for respiration
book price
the value of a car as defined by the manufacturers or other accredited organization
book review
a description and analysis of a new book
book rights
the legal right to make use of the text of a printed book
book token
a gift token to be exchanged for books
book value
In business, the book value of an asset is the value it is given in the account books of the company that owns it.
cheque book
A cheque book is a book of cheques which your bank gives you so that you can pay for things by cheque.
class book
a book published by members of a school or college class, containing pictures of students and teachers , an account of student activities, etc.
closed book
something deemed unknown or incapable of being understood
comic book
A comic book is a magazine that contains stories told in pictures .
course book
A course book is a textbook that students and teachers use as the basis of a course.
double-book
If you double-book something, or if you double-book , you book two spaces or services when only one is available to use.
emblem book
a book of allegorical pictures containing a moral lesson , with an explanatory motto or verses
famous book
A book is a number of pieces of paper, usually with words printed on them, which are fastened together and fixed inside a cover of stronger paper or cardboard . Books contain information, stories , or poetry , for example .
funny book
→ comic book
Chinese translation of 'book'
book
(buk)
n(c)
(= novel etc) 书(書) (shū) (本, běn)
[of stamps, tickets]册(冊) (cè)
vt
[ticket, table, seat, room]预(預)订(訂) (yùdìng)
[traffic warden, police officer]登记(記) (dēngjì)
⇒ I was booked for speeding.我因超速驾车而被记名。 (Wǒ yīn chǎosù jiàchē ér bèi jìmíng.)
(Football) 记(記)名警告 (jìmíng jǐnggào)
by the book照章办(辦)事 (zhàozhāng bànshì)
to throw the book at sb重罚(罰)某人 (zhòng fá mǒurén)
fully booked预(預)订(訂)一空 (yùdìng yīkōng)
to keep the books作簿记(記) (zuò bùjì)
Derived Forms
booksn pl (Comm, = accounts) 账(賬)目 (zhàngmù)
All related terms of 'book'
book in
( at hotel ) 登记(記)入住 dēngjì rùzhù [ 美 = check in ]
( one more ) 另一本书(書) lìng yī běn shū ⇒ I need another book, I've finished this one. → 我再需要一本书,这本已经读完了。 Wǒ zài xūyào yī běn shū, zhè běn yǐjīng dúwán le.
I had several names in my little black book that I called regularly.
Synonyms
notebook
He brought out a notebook and pen from his pocket.
album
She showed me her photo album.
journal
On the plane he wrote in his journal.
diary
pad
Have a pad and pencil ready.
record book
Filofax (trademark)
notepad
exercise book
jotter
memorandum book
e-book or ebook
blook
(plural noun)
He usually left the books to his managers and accountants.
Synonyms
accounts
records
balance sheet
ledger
financial statement
1 (verb)
Definition
to reserve (a place, passage, etc.) or engage the services of (someone) in advance
She booked herself a flight home last night.
Synonyms
reserve
I'll reserve a table for five.
schedule
No new talks are scheduled.
engage
I managed to engage a room for the night.
line up
organize
charter
arrange for
procure
make reservations
e-book or ebook
2 (verb)
They took him to the police station and booked him for assault.
Synonyms
charge
phrasal verb
See book in
idiom
See in my book
related words
related maniabibliomania
related enthusiastbibliophile
related phobiabibiliophobia
subject word lists
See types of bookSee parts of a book
Quotations
A good book is the precious life-blood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life [John Milton – Areopagitica]All books are divisible into two classes, the books of the hour, and the books of all time [John Ruskin – Sesame and Lilies]There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written [Oscar Wilde – The Picture of Dorian Gray]Style and Structure are the essence of a book; great ideas are hogwash [Vladimir Nabokov]All books are either dreams or swords, You can cut, or you can drug, with words [Amy Lowell – Sword Blades and Poppy Seeds]Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested [Francis Bacon – Essays]The reading of all good books is like conversation with the finest men of past centuries [René Descartes – Discourse on Method]All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they had really happened [Ernest Hemingway]Books succeed, And lives fail [Elizabeth Barrett Browning – Aurora Leigh]Books are where things are explained to you; life is where things aren't [Julian Barnes – Flaubert's Parrot]Even bad books are books and therefore sacred [Günter Grass – The Tin Drum]I never read a book before reviewing it; it prejudices a man so [Revd Sidney Smith]A room without books is as a body without a soul [John Lubbock]When I am dead, I hope it may be said: `His sins were scarlet, but his books were read.' [Hilaire Belloc – On His Books]No furniture so charming as books [Revd Sidney Smith]Books will speak plain when counsellors blanch [Francis Bacon – Essays]Of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh [Bible: Ecclesiastes]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of album
Definition
a book with blank pages, for keeping photographs or stamps in