# book in

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/book-in
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to arrange a time for a service or to register when you arrive at a place like a hotel. You use this when you make an appointment or sign in.

For teachers: To register a person's arrival at a facility or to schedule a specific time for a service. The verb functions transitively, often taking a reflexive or third-party object, or intransitively when the subject is the one being registered.

## Examples

- I need to book in for a check-up at the dentist.
- When you arrive at the spa, please book in at the reception desk to receive your robe.
- The administrative staff worked tirelessly to book in over two hundred delegates before the keynote speaker was scheduled to begin the opening ceremony.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I need to book in the hotel." but "I need to book in at the hotel." — When referring to a location, the preposition 'at' is required after 'book in'.

## Usage notes

- Commonly followed by 'at' for locations or 'for' for specific services.
- Teaching tip: Highlight that 'book in' is particularly common in British English; in American English, 'check in' or simply 'book' is more frequent.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.