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

• manual
• textbook
• text
• dictionary

Examples of handbook in a Sentence

a handbook of grammar

Recent Examples on the Web

The handbook adds administrators have the right to confiscate a phone when a student breaks the rule. —Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 3 Aug. 2025

The handbook says inmates can also play sports, attend religious services and access televisions. —James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025

The judges also cited a portion of a handbook of Mormon church doctrine that says a bishop should disclose information to authorities to prevent life-threatening harm or serious injury. —Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 30 July 2025

International law firm Clark Hill is warning employers about a new cyber threat involving fake employee handbooks. —Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

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
• hornbook
• logbook

Kids Definition

handbook

noun

hand·​book -ˌbu̇k 

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