book

"Book" is a very common and useful English word. It works as both a noun and a verb, and has several everyday meanings you will encounter all the time. Here are the most important ones.

1nouna written work

This is the most familiar meaning. A book is a collection of pages bound together, containing a story, information, or ideas. Think of a novel you read for fun, or a textbook you study from — both are books.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She stayed up late reading a book about ancient history.

He wrote a book about his travels across South America.

The children's book had beautiful illustrations on every page.

2verbto reserve something in advance

When you 'book' something, you arrange and confirm it ahead of time so it is saved for you. You can book a hotel room, a flight, a restaurant table, or a ticket. Think of it as putting your name on something before you arrive.

travel, hospitality, everyday language · Modern, widely used

We booked a table at the restaurant for Saturday evening.

She booked her flight to Paris three months in advance.

The hotel was full — every room had been booked already.

3nouna set of records or accounts

In business, 'the books' refers to the financial records of a company — all the money coming in and going out. You might hear phrases like 'balancing the books' or 'cooking the books' (which means cheating on financial records).

business, finance · Modern, widely used

The accountant checked the company's books at the end of the year.

They discovered an error when they balanced the books.

The manager was accused of manipulating the books to hide losses.

4verbto officially charge someone with a crime

When police 'book' a suspect, they officially record the person's name and the crime they are accused of at the police station. This is a formal step in the arrest process.

law enforcement · Modern, widely used

The suspect was booked at the police station after his arrest.

She was booked on charges of theft and released the next morning.

After being booked, he was allowed to make one phone call.

5nouna record of bets

A 'book' can also refer to a record of bets placed on a sporting event or race. The person who manages this is called a 'bookmaker' or 'bookie'. You will hear this in the context of gambling and sports.

gambling, sports · Modern, widely used

The bookmaker opened his book for bets on the championship match.

Several large bets were recorded in the book before the race.

He placed a bet with the bookie and waited for the results.