copybook

noun

copy·​book ˈkä-pē-ˌbu̇k How to pronounce copybook (audio)
: a book formerly used in teaching penmanship and containing models for imitation

Examples of copybook in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But in 1903, Griffith badly blotted his copybook. Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2022 Get our daily newsletter The first concern is over Mr Ouattara, who may blot his copybook by trying to run for a third term. The Economist, 26 Sep. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'copybook.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of copybook was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near copybook

Cite this Entry

“Copybook.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/copybook. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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