Handbook Meaning
/ˈhændˌbʊk/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA topically organized book of reference on a certain field of knowledge, regardless of size, but archetypally one to be kept readily at hand.
nounA place where illicit bets can be placed.
Sentence Examples
This is a good handbook.
I consulted the handbook.
Tom spent the afternoon reading a survival handbook.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Read the ____ before using the machine to avoid mistakes.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
All new employees are given a company ____ that outlines all the important rules and policies.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English handbok, from Old English handbōc (“handbook”), possibly reinforced as a calque of German Handbuch (“handbook”). By surface analysis, hand + book. Compare West Frisian hânboek (“handbook”), Dutch handboek (“handbook”), German Low German Handbook (“handbook”), Danish håndbog (“handbook”), Swedish handbok (“handbook”), Icelandic handbók (“handbook”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The extent of the business done in this line is not understood by those who have not looked into it. In New York there are 50 pool rooms and 500 handbooks; in East St. Louis, 20 handbooks; in Chicago, 5 pool rooms and 200 handbooks; […]"
— 1916, U.S. Congress. Senate. Committee on interstate commerce, Prevention of Transmission of Race-gambling Bets, page 23:
"Persons subject to his rule can be found operating, in addition to the wire service, wire service relays, handbooks, gambling houses, prostitution establishments, coin-operated device companies, bars, restaurants, night clubs, motels, […]"
— 1961, United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Government Operations. Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Gambling and Organized Crime: Hearings:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Read the ____ before using the machine to avoid mistakes.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
All new employees are given a company ____ that outlines all the important rules and policies.