textbook
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a book that contains information about a subject that people study in school or university.
n.a formal manual of instruction in a specific subject, typically designed for use in educational institutions.
Simple“I need to buy a new biology textbook for my science class next week.”
In context“The university updated the introductory economics textbook to include a more comprehensive analysis of digital currencies and global trade shifts.”
UsageOften used as a compound noun with the subject name, such as 'history textbook' or 'maths textbook'.
Synonymscoursebookmanual - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.used to describe something that is a perfect example of a rule or a situation.
adj.having the typical characteristics of a class of phenomenon; serving as a classic or exemplary instance.
Simple“The doctor said it was a textbook case of the flu.”
In context“The pilot performed a textbook landing despite the heavy crosswinds, demonstrating the precise technique taught in flight manuals.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it modifies.
“I was selling foreign language [textbooks] for schoolchildren.”
“The information itself isn’t new – I could have looked it up in a textbook – but the way of talking about it is.”
From text + book.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.