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 of handbook

• manual
• textbook
• text
• dictionary

Examples of handbook in a Sentence

a handbook of grammar

Recent Examples on the Web

Some schools put their handbooks and admissions policies online. — Mollie Simon, ProPublica, 16 July 2026

By referencing the federal FMLA baseline and deferring to applicable state law for employees with greater rights, employee handbooks can absorb each new development without a revision cycle. — Jennifer Morehead, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Her concern is in the language being used in the handbooks and the policy draft. — Julianna Mejia, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026

Now, 15 years later, the law continues to guide district handbooks across Oregon. — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 23 June 2026

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
• logbook
• mistook

Kids Definition

handbook

noun

hand·​book -ˌbu̇k 

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