Book

/bʊk/

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A collection of sheets of paper, parchment, or similar material, bound together to form a volume.

/bʊk/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A written or printed work consisting of pages bound together.

She borrowed a book from the library.

💡 Simply: Something you read.

More Examples

2

He wrote a book about his travels.

How It's Used

Literature

"I'm reading a fascinating book about the history of Rome."

Education

"The textbook provided helpful examples."

2

To reserve or engage something, especially a seat on a vehicle or accommodation.

/bʊk/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To arrange or reserve (something) in advance.

I booked a hotel room online.

💡 Simply: To reserve something in advance.

More Examples

2

Have you booked your tickets yet?

How It's Used

Travel

"I booked a flight to Paris for next week."

Restaurant

"We need to book a table for dinner tonight."

Tip:To make a reservation in a book (of reservations).

Idioms & expressions

get a book on someone

To accuse someone of wrongdoing or to report their misbehavior to authorities.

"The boss decided to get a book on the employee for his unethical behavior."

From Old English *bōc, from Proto-Germanic *bōkō, related to beech tree (the bark of which was used for writing).

In Old English, "bōc" referred specifically to a book written on beech bark.

Memory tip

Think of a collection of pages bound together like a tree's bark.

bookebok

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written