book
noun (countable)
UK/bʊk/US/bʊk/
A written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers.
Example Sentences
She picked up a book from the shelf and began to read it under the cozy lamp.
The library offers a vast collection of books on various subjects, catering to all ages and interests.
He decided to book a table at his favorite restaurant for their anniversary celebration, ensuring they had a special evening.
After months of planning, they managed to book flights and accommodations for their dream vacation to Europe.
The author's latest book, which delves into the complexities of human psychology, has received critical acclaim from reviewers around the world.
During the conference, several keynote speakers discussed the importance of digital transformation in modern businesses, providing attendees with valuable insights and strategies.
She always carries a book in her bag, finding comfort and escape in the stories during her daily commute.
The couple worked together to book tickets for the sold-out concert, hoping to secure a memorable experience despite the high demand.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/bʊk/US/bʊk/
To reserve accommodations, tickets, or a place in advance.
Example Sentences
She decided to book a spa appointment for the weekend to relax and rejuvenate after a hectic week at work.
They needed to book a conference room well in advance to accommodate all the attendees for the annual meeting.
He booked tickets for the Broadway show as soon as they went on sale, ensuring he wouldn't miss out on the highly anticipated performance.
Before traveling abroad, it's essential to book your flights and accommodations to avoid last-minute hassles and secure the best rates.
The event organizer was able to book several high-profile speakers, which significantly boosted the conference's appeal and attendance.
To celebrate their anniversary, they booked a romantic dinner at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city skyline.
She quickly booked a last-minute hotel room when her flight was unexpectedly delayed, preventing her from having to stay overnight in the airport.
The team worked diligently to book all necessary resources and schedules, ensuring the project's successful launch without any conflicts or delays.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A set of written pages bound together for reading, reference, or storytelling.“Book” primarily functions as a noun, referring to a physical or digital compilation of pages containing text or images. You might say, “I borrowed a book from the library,” which implies a tangible item, or “I read that e-book on my tablet,” suggesting its digital form. Books serve multiple purposes: entertaining stories (novels), academic or informational texts (textbooks), or practical guides (cookbooks, manuals). In conversations, 'book' can also surface as a verb meaning to reserve or schedule—'We should book a table at that restaurant.' Context usually clarifies whether 'book' is about reading material or making a reservation. In everyday life, the act of reading a book fosters learning, leisure, or escapism. For authors, writing a book can mean compiling research, weaving a narrative, or expressing personal experiences. Libraries, bookstores, and online platforms host countless books in diverse genres: fiction, non-fiction, biography, self-help, and more. Culturally, books symbolize education, enlightenment, and preservation of history. They can be treasured as collectibles, passed down through generations, or casually borrowed and returned. Whether you’re discussing bestsellers, referencing ancient manuscripts, or planning an event—'book' remains a cornerstone of language and communication. Make sure context is clear—especially if you’re using it in the sense of scheduling something—so your audience knows when you mean printed matter versus making a reservation or filling a spot.
Alternatives
If you need a more specific term, 'volume' often appears in academic or encyclopedic contexts. 'Tome' suggests a large, weighty book—often scholarly or old-fashioned. For digital collections, 'e-book' or 'digital edition' pinpoints a format optimized for electronic devices. When referring to magazines or periodicals, 'issue' or 'publication' would be more accurate. If you focus on narrative content, 'novel' indicates a longer fictional work, and 'novella' or 'short story' pertains to shorter forms. 'Manuscript' applies to an unpublished or draft version, typically for authors or academic papers. When 'book' is used as a verb, synonyms like 'reserve,' 'schedule,' or 'secure' might fit better if you want to avoid ambiguity. In business or organizational settings, 'record' or 'log' can replace 'book' when talking about accounting—like 'to book an expense'—though that context is somewhat specialized. Overall, picking the precise word for each scenario clarifies whether you’re referencing a text, a scheduled arrangement, or an accounting entry, ensuring your meaning is unambiguous.
Writing
When you write about 'book,' decide if your focus is on the physical or digital form, its content, or the act of securing a spot. If you’re discussing literature, emphasize genre and theme—e.g., 'This science fiction book depicts an intergalactic society struggling with resource scarcity.' If you’re addressing a nonfiction reference, spotlight its practicality or depth: 'His reference book on marine biology includes extensive charts and illustrations.' For more formal or academic texts, mention authorship, publication details, or any unique aspects—such as a revised edition or extensive footnotes. If 'book' appears as a verb, specify who is booking, what is being booked, and why—'She booked the conference room for a team meeting on Tuesday.' Adding context helps readers distinguish between reading material and a reservation. In creative writing, you might explore how a book influences characters—perhaps a character clings to a rare, worn-out book that holds sentimental value. Or you could weave in cultural references, like describing a family’s tradition of passing a treasured cookbook through generations. Overall, ensure your description or usage of 'book' aligns with the narrative or informational purpose at hand, making it clear why this object or action is pivotal in your piece.
Casual Conversation
In everyday chats, 'book' might pop up when you’re planning events—'We should book our flights soon for the holiday,' or 'I need to book a haircut appointment.' If you’re talking about reading habits, you can say, 'I love curling up with a good book before bed,' or 'I just finished that thriller—it was impossible to put down!' People often mention going to the bookstore or library: 'I’m off to return some overdue books.' In group discussions, 'We’re forming a book club—want to join?' might spark interest among friends. When traveling, 'book' can appear in phrases like 'Let’s book our hotel online,' making sure accommodations are secured in advance. If you’re referencing a known series or author, casual conversation might revolve around favorites—'Have you read the latest book in that fantasy series yet?' Meanwhile, 'by the book' is an idiomatic way of saying 'strictly following the rules': 'He does everything by the book—no shortcuts allowed.' These everyday uses keep 'book' versatile, from speaking about reading habits and reservations to following guidelines. A simple context clue—'reading a book,' 'booking a flight,' 'by the book'—is enough to clarify the meaning in casual speech.
Etymology
The English word 'book' stems from Old English 'bōc,' meaning a written document or text. Its Proto-Germanic root *bōk- is related to the word for 'beech tree,' reflecting an ancient practice of inscribing runes on wooden tablets. Early forms of writing material included bark or planks, eventually evolving into codices, scrolls, and bound manuscripts. As literacy spread in medieval Europe, 'book' solidified its place in the language, covering any bound collection of written leaves, from religious texts to personal diaries. The shift from handwritten manuscripts to printed volumes in the 15th century—thanks to Gutenberg’s printing press—revolutionized book production and lowered costs, fueling widespread reading and scholarship. Over time, 'book' became an everyday concept, extending to ledgers (like bookkeeping), travel reservations ('to book a room'), and even slang ('throw the book at someone'). Now, as digital formats flourish, 'e-book' and 'audiobook' blend the traditional sense of 'book' with modern technology. Yet the core idea persists: 'book' remains a container of knowledge, stories, and records, bridging ancient wooden tablets and the electronic readers of today.