handbook

noun

hand·​book ˈhan(d)-ˌbu̇k 

1

a

: a book capable of being conveniently carried as a ready reference : manual

b

: a concise reference book covering a particular subject

2

a

: a bookmaker's book of bets

b

: a place where bookmaking is carried on

Synonyms

• manual
• textbook
• text
• dictionary

Examples of handbook in a Sentence

a handbook of grammar

Recent Examples on the Web

As the new school year begins, parents will be bombarded with schedules, handbooks and those oh so important pick-up line instructions. —James V. Shuls, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2025

Here, the biggest drama comes not from chases or guns or even courtroom speeches, but from finding the missing section that's vanished from a company handbook. —Linda Holmes, NPR, 15 Aug. 2025

Gender equality is formally embedded in the employee handbook and enforced through third-party audits. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

Also known as the DSM-5, the handbook uses three ASD levels of severity. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 2 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for handbook

• betook
• casebook
• chapbook
• checkbook
• chinook
• codebook
• cookbook
• fishhook
• forsook
• guidebook
• hornbook
• logbook

Kids Definition

handbook

noun

hand·​book -ˌbu̇k 

: a small book of facts or useful information usually about a particular subject : manual