handbook
- 01 B1 Intermediate
a book that gives you facts or instructions about a subject or how to do something.
a reference book providing concise information or instructions on a specific subject, often designed for quick consultation.
Simple“The employee handbook explains the company rules about holidays and sick leave.”
In context“The technical handbook provides comprehensive diagrams and troubleshooting steps for maintaining the industrial cooling system.”
UsageOften used with a modifying noun like 'employee', 'student', or 'technical'.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
a place where people can make illegal bets on things like horse races.
a location or establishment where illicit gambling or bookmaking takes place.
Simple“The police closed down a small handbook operating in the back of the café.”
In context“During the mid-century era, local authorities often turned a blind eye to the handbooks operating in the city's industrial districts.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is rare in modern English and mostly appears in historical crime fiction or older American contexts.
Synonymsbetting shopbookie