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

Here is the full, unedited, description of the traditional pop vocal album category, from the 69th Grammy Rules & Guidelines handbook. — Paul Grein, Billboard, 19 Oct. 2026

The industry- and lifestyle-focused podcast serves as an audio handbook for songwriters, sharing best practices and insider pro tips for surviving and thriving in this difficult-to-navigate creative space. — Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026

The records don't establish whether parents were told about the facilitator handbook's guidance on gender identity, pronouns and nonbinary participants. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

The standard fix fails because handbooks rot the day they are written. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Oct. 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