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booking

n.
US //ˈbʊkɪŋ// UK //bˈʊkɪŋ// book·ing
  1. 1 a reservation (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    an arrangement you make to have a room, seat, or table at a specific time.

    a reservation for a service, typically in travel, hospitality, or dining.

    Example

    We have a booking for a double room under the name Smith.

    Example

    The hotel manager confirmed that the booking had been made online several months in advance to secure the lower seasonal rate.

  2. 2 a performance (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    an agreement for a performer or band to play at a show.

    the formal engagement of a performer or artist for a specific event or production.

    Example

    The band has a booking at the local jazz club this Friday night.

    Example

    Securing a booking at such a prestigious venue was a significant milestone for the young comedian's career.

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  1. 3 sports penalty (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English Sport

    when a referee writes a player's name in a book to give them a yellow card.

    the formal recording of a player's name by a referee for a foul, typically resulting in a yellow card.

    Example

    The defender received a booking for a late tackle in the second half.

    Example

    After his second booking of the match, the captain was shown a red card and forced to leave the pitch.

  2. 4 police record (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Law

    the process of recording a person's details after they are arrested.

    the administrative process of recording the identity, fingerprints, and photographs of a suspect following an arrest.

    Example

    The suspect was taken to the station for booking and questioning.

    Example

    The booking process took several hours as the officers had to verify the suspect's identity against multiple federal databases.

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