handbook \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun Etymology: translation of German handbuch 1. a.: a book capable of being conveniently carried as a ready reference : manual b.: a concise reference book covering a particular subject or field of knowledge < a handbook of geology > < a handbook of fungi > < a handbook of scouting > < a Milton handbook > c.: a book of directions and information for travelers < a handbook of France > 2. a.: a bookmaker's book of bets b.: a place where bookmaking is carried on