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
• primer
• text
• textbook

Examples of handbook in a Sentence

a handbook of grammar

Recent Examples on the Web

Project 2025, the political handbook published last year by the conservative policy group Heritage Foundation, called for ending Title I and converting other federal education funding into block grants made to states. —Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2025

There are a number of optical illusions that pilots have to account for when flying at night, according to the Federal Aviation Administration’s airplane flying handbook. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2025

For writers, these were the rules of grammar and syntax; for architects, these were the rules of the classical orders, published in handbook form as of 1537. —Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025

The employee handbook dictates that comp time be used within two months, but that hasn’t been happening. —Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

handbook

noun

hand·​book -ˌbu̇k 

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