Word
textbook
Phoneticstext·book, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɛkstˌbʊk/
UK/tˈɛkstbʊk/
Definitions
01educational book
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
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.
“I need to buy a new biology textbook for my science class next week.”
“The university updated the introductory economics textbook to include a more comprehensive analysis of digital currencies and global trade shifts.”
Usage
Often used as a compound noun with the subject name, such as 'history textbook' or 'maths textbook'.
Synonyms
02perfect or typical example
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.
“The doctor said it was a textbook case of the flu.”
“The pilot performed a textbook landing despite the heavy crosswinds, demonstrating the precise technique taught in flight manuals.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it modifies.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “textbook” in context.
Verb
01. consult a textbook
“Students are encouraged to consult a textbook if they need to clarify complex scientific theories.”
verb + noun
02. publish a textbook
“The professor spent three years writing before he could finally publish a textbook on macroeconomics.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. standard textbook
“This has been the standard textbook for medical students for over a decade.”
adj + noun
04. textbook case
“The patient presented a textbook case of vitamin C deficiency.”
adj + noun
05. textbook example
“The company's collapse was a textbook example of poor financial management.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. history textbook
“She found an old history textbook in the attic that belonged to her grandfather.”
noun + noun
07. textbook series
“The school district decided to adopt a new textbook series for the primary math curriculum.”
noun + noun
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From text + book.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
01. textbook case
Domain
- 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 IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/textbook