ENGLISH
REFERENCE

textbook

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈtɛkstˌbʊk// UK //tˈɛkstbʊk// text·book General-service

n. a book that contains standard information about a specific subject, used by students to study for a course. It often includes lessons, exercises, and facts.

n. a comprehensive manual of instruction in a specific branch of study, typically used in educational settings. Often used figuratively to describe a classic or perfect example of something.


SIMPLE

I need to buy a new biology textbook for my class.

CONTEXTUAL

The professor assigned three chapters from the history textbook to be read before the next lecture.

COMPLEX

While the digital version is more portable, many students still prefer the physical textbook for its ease of annotation and the lack of screen-induced eye strain during long study sessions.

Synonyms
Origin

From text + book.

Usage

Commonly used as a noun, but can function as an attributive noun or adjective to mean 'classic' or 'typical' (e.g., 'a textbook example').

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference