book

noun

1》 a written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers.

    ↘a main division of a literary work or of the Bible.

2》 a bound set of blank sheets for writing in: an accounts book.

    ↘(books) a set of records or accounts.

    ↘a bookmaker's record of bets accepted and money paid out.

3》 a set of tickets, stamps, matches, etc., bound together.

4》 (the book) the first six tricks taken by the declarer in a hand of bridge.

verb

1》 reserve (accommodation, a ticket, etc.).

    ↘(book in) register one's arrival at a hotel.

    ↘engage (a performer or guest) for an event.

    ↘(be booked up) have all places reserved.

2》 make an official note of the details of (someone who has broken a law or rule).

    ↘Soccer (of a referee) note down the name of (a player) cautioned for foul play.

Phrases

bring someone to book chiefly Brit. officially call someone to account for their behaviour.

by the book strictly according to the rules.

in someone's bad (or good) books in disfavour (or favour) with someone.

in my book in my opinion.

make (or open) a book (N. Amer. make book) take bets and pay out winnings on the outcome of a contest or other event.

on the books contained in a list of members, employees, or clients.

People of the Book Jews and Christians as regarded by Muslims.

suit one's book Brit. dated be convenient to one.

take a leaf out of someone's book imitate or emulate someone in a particular way.

throw the book at informal charge or punish (someone) as severely as possible.

Derivatives

booker noun

booking noun

Origin

OE bōc, bōcian 'to grant by charter', of Gmc origin.