English Reference
noun · verb

book

n. · v.
US /ˈbʊk/ UK /bˈʊk/ book UK spelling booked

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    n.a set of printed pages held together inside a cover, or a digital version of this.

    n.a written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers.

    Simple

    I am reading a very interesting book about history right now.

    In context

    The library houses several rare books from the sixteenth century that require special handling due to their fragile bindings.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the official records of the money a business spends and receives.

    n.the formal financial records of an organisation or business entity.

    Simple

    The accountant spent all day checking the company's books for errors.

    In context

    The auditors discovered a significant discrepancy in the books, suggesting that several transactions had been recorded incorrectly over the fiscal year.

    Usage

    usually used in the plural form 'the books'

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Theatre

    n.the written words and story of a musical or opera.

    n.the script or libretto of a musical theatre production, excluding the music and lyrics.

    Simple

    The musical had great songs, but the book was a bit boring.

    In context

    While the score received critical acclaim, the book was criticised for its lack of character development and inconsistent pacing.

    scriptlibretto
  4. 04 A2 Elementary

    v.to arrange to have a seat, room, or service at a particular time in the future.

    v.to reserve accommodation, a ticket, or a service in advance.

    Simple

    You should book your flight early to get a cheaper price.

    In context

    The travel agent advised us to book the hotel months in advance, as the city becomes extremely crowded during the summer festival.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    v.to officially record someone's name because they have done something wrong.

    v.to record the name and details of a person who has committed an offence for legal or disciplinary purposes.

    Simple

    The police officer booked him for driving too fast.

    In context

    After the suspect was brought to the station, the sergeant proceeded to book him for obstructing justice and resisting arrest.

  6. 06 B1 Intermediate Sport

    v.to give a player a formal warning for breaking the rules.

    v.to note a player's name in an official record for a foul, typically signified by showing a yellow card.

    Simple

    The referee booked the defender for a dangerous tackle.

    In context

    The referee had no choice but to book the midfielder after a series of persistent fouls throughout the first half.

  7. 07 C1 Advanced InformalSlangAmerican English

    v.to move or travel very quickly.

    v.to move at high speed; to depart in a hurried manner.

    Simple

    We really need to book it if we want to catch the train.

    In context

    As soon as the bell rang, the students were booking it down the hallway to get to the cafeteria before the line got too long.

    dawdlelinger

Usage book called · book market · book written

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated