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

Despite allegations of differential treatment, Tolcher said punishments were issued according to the discipline policies and procedures in the school’s parent and student handbook. —Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2026

According to a handbook from the Texas Attorney General's Office, a capital conviction is typically appealed to both the state court and federal court. —Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 12 May 2026

Detainees are segregated based on criminal history and whether they are considered a flight risk, according to a handbook made public as part of a lawsuit over whether detainees have proper access to attorneys. —ABC News, 7 May 2026

Let’s be honest, what Forest have done in 2025-26, or indeed for much of the last few seasons, wouldn’t make the ‘how to run a football club’ handbook. —Tim Spiers, New York Times, 1 May 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