book
gb/bˈʊk/ us/bˈʊk/
A1
English
~ 300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A1
entity
1
A set of bound written pages
A set of pages with writing, joined together in a cover.
Usage pattern:
read [a book]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'book' with 'notebook'; a book contains complete works or information, while a notebook is blank or for writing notes.
Synonyms
volume (More formal or technical term for a single book, especially in a series.)
Antonyms
ebook (A digital version rather than a physical book.)
Collocations
read a book
|borrow a book
|write a book
|open a book
|close a book
Themes
education
|literature
|daily life
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She borrowed a book from the library.
- The book was full of interesting stories.
- He wrote a book about his travels.
- I left my book on the table.
- This book has over three hundred pages.
Learner examples
- I read a book every night.
- This is my favorite book.
- The book is on the desk.
- She gives me a book to read.
- We buy a new book.
Verb
A2
action
2
Arrange in advance for use
To ask for and keep something, like a room or ticket, for the future.
Usage pattern:
book [something] [for someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'book' with 'buy'; booking means reserving, not necessarily paying at that moment.
Synonyms
reserve (Very close in meaning but slightly more formal; used in similar contexts.)
Antonyms
cancel (To remove or stop the arrangement that was previously booked.)
Collocations
book a hotel
|book a ticket
|book an appointment
|book a flight
Themes
travel
|business
|daily life
|daily_life
Examples
- I need to book a table for dinner.
- She booked two tickets to the concert.
- They booked a hotel room near the beach.
- We should book an appointment with the doctor.
- He booked the hall for the wedding.
Learner examples
- I book a seat on the bus.
- We book a room at the hotel.
- She books two tickets for the movie.
- They book an appointment with the doctor.
- I will book a table for lunch.
Verb
B2
action
3
Officially record an arrest or charge
When police write your name and details because they think you broke the law.
Usage pattern:
book [someone] [for something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with reserving something; in legal contexts, it means official police recording of an offense.
Synonyms
charge (More general legal term; 'book' refers specifically to police recording details.)
Antonyms
release (To let someone go without charges or after charges are dropped.)
Collocations
book a suspect
|book someone for speeding
Themes
law
|crime
|communication
Examples
- The police booked him for theft.
- She was booked on suspicion of fraud.
- They booked several people after the protest turned violent.
Learner examples
- The police book him for stealing.
- They book her for driving too fast.
- He is booked by the police.
Grammar
Dictionary form
book
IPA
GB/bˈʊk/
US/bˈʊk/
Syllables & stress
book (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (book)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: book
- Plural: books
Verb
- Base: book
- 3rd Person Singular: books
- Present Participle: booking
- Past: booked
Word family
Expressions
by the book
1/bˈaɪ ðə bˈʊk/
idiom
Follow rules strictly
To do something exactly as the rules say.
Examples
- The lawyer handled the case by the book.
- He runs his business by the book.
in someone's good books
1/ˈɪn sˈʌmwˌʌnz ɡˈʊd bˈʊks/
idiom
informal
Favored by someone
When someone likes you or is pleased with you at this time.
Examples
- I'm in my boss's good books after finishing the project early.
- She's in her teacher's good books these days.
throw the book at someone
1/θɹˈoʊ ðə bˈʊk ˈæt sˈʌmwˌʌn/
idiom
informal
Give maximum punishment allowed
To punish someone as much as the law or rules allow.
Examples
- The judge threw the book at him for repeated offenses.
- If you lie to them, they'll throw the book at you.
don't judge a book by its cover
1/dˈoʊnt d͡ʒˈʌd͡ʒ ə bˈʊk bˈaɪ ˈɪts kˈʌvɚ/
idiom
Don't decide by appearance only
Do not decide what something or someone is like just by how they look.
Examples
- He seems unfriendly, but don't judge a book by its cover.
- The hotel looked small, but it was beautiful inside—don't judge a book by its cover.
don't judge a book by its cover
2/dˈoʊnt d͡ʒˈʌd͡ʒ ə bˈʊk bˈaɪ ˈɪts kˈʌvɚ/
idiom
Don't judge by looks alone
Don't decide what something is like only from how it looks outside.
Examples
- She seems quiet, but don't judge a book by its cover.
- The restaurant looks small, but don't judge a book by its cover.
hit the books
1/hˈɪt ðə bˈʊks/
idiom
informal
Study hard and seriously
To study with focus and energy.
Examples
- I have exams next week, so it's time to hit the books.
- I can't go out tonight—I need to hit the books for tomorrow's exam.
- She stayed home all weekend hitting the books.
- It's time to hit the books if you want to pass.