Word
playbook
Phoneticsplay·book, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɫeɪbʊk/
UK/plˈeɪbʊk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a set of plans or strategies used to achieve a goal. While it started in sports, people now use it to describe business or political methods.
n. a collection of strategies, tactics, or methods used by an organization or individual to achieve a specific objective. Originally referring to a book of sports plays, it is now widely applied to corporate and political contexts.
Examples
“The company followed its marketing playbook to launch the new product.”
“The candidate used a familiar political playbook by focusing on economic issues during the final week of the campaign.”
“In response to the sudden market downturn, the executive team reached for their crisis management playbook, implementing a series of pre-approved cost-cutting measures and communication protocols.”
Examples
simple
“The company followed its marketing playbook to launch the new product.”
contextual
“The candidate used a familiar political playbook by focusing on economic issues during the final week of the campaign.”
complex
“In response to the sudden market downturn, the executive team reached for their crisis management playbook, implementing a series of pre-approved cost-cutting measures and communication protocols.”
Usage
Often used metaphorically in business and politics to describe a standard set of responses or strategies.
Real-World Examples
“Russia's sabotage operations seem to come from the Cold War playbook.” “Wizz Air’s strategy also seems to be taking heavily from the Ryanair playbook, with many routes going to Luton, one of London’s secondary airports which competes with Stansted, Ryanair’s main hub.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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