black book

noun

1
: a book containing a blacklist entry 1
2
: an address book containing especially the names of multiple romantic partners
usually used in the phrase little black book
It also explores Carla's knack for finding her way into the insular and disparate worlds of fashion, rock and roll (and Mick Jagger's little black book) …Tracy McNicoll

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web An environmental scientist and Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, he was raised in six African countries, and draws on his 'little black book' of contacts and experiences to design and guide unique and highly immersive frontier and off-google journeys across Africa. Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2022 The black book became his toolkit. David Tarrant, Dallas News, 18 Aug. 2020 By 2012, when Roth gave Blake Bailey access to his papers, friends, little black book and innermost thoughts, Roth had parted ways with two previous biographers, courted another and threatened to sue a third. New York Times, 30 Mar. 2021 Each of those new probationers signed their names in the school’s black book at the end of their first week, a tradition that remains to this day. Saskia Solomon, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2022 Stack your little black book with T&C’s favorite fixers. Town & Country, 28 Nov. 2022 But Mike also does work for Saul as a way of gathering intel on the Albuquerque criminal community, since Saul has purchased Dr. Caldera’s little black book and is facilitating shady business on the side. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2022 The Lindros whom Judy Vellucci remembers is a youngster who logged all his daily and lifelong goals in a little black book, but a kid who might have trouble finding that book in a messy bedroom. Gene Myers, Detroit Free Press, 27 May 2022 That intriguing little black book could turn out to have a significance. Dan Snierson, EW.com, 19 Apr. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'black book.' 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

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of black book was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near black book

Cite this Entry

“Black book.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20book. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

black book

noun
: a book containing a blacklist
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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