copybook
noun
copy·book
ˈkä-pē-ˌbu̇k 
: a book formerly used in teaching penmanship and containing models for imitation
Examples of copybook in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, and Sebastian Vettel have 14 championships between them, and each blotted their copybooks on more than one occasion.
—
ArsTechnica, 2 June 2025
Chloe Kelly, their January signing from Manchester City, produced two copybook right-wing crosses which produced two quickfire goals for Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey.
—Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Even in victory, there had to be a blot in the Leeds copybook.
—Beren Cross, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Yes, last year ended in failure, regardless of the points tally, and that is an understandable blot on Farke’s copybook.
—Beren Cross, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
ArsTechnica, 2 June 2025
Chloe Kelly, their January signing from Manchester City, produced two copybook right-wing crosses which produced two quickfire goals for Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey.
—Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Even in victory, there had to be a blot in the Leeds copybook.
—Beren Cross, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Yes, last year ended in failure, regardless of the points tally, and that is an understandable blot on Farke’s copybook.
—Beren Cross, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Copybook.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/copybook. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share