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

The kids turn to their handy, and lengthy, Dungeons & Dragons handbook full of terminology and descriptions that turn out to be useful not only for their game, but for the unexplainable things happening right in front of their faces. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025

The handbook, unveiled in September, includes guidelines on what supplies to stockpile in households and put in go-bags, and instructions on what to do when encountering enemy soldiers. —Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 18 Nov. 2025

On two-lane undivided highways, the speed limit dips to 55 mph, according to the driver’s handbook. —Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 18 Nov. 2025

The process, carried out by regional district councils and overseen by the national office, requires disgraced pastors to step away from ministry for at least a year and undergo Christian counseling, according to a 135-page restoration handbook obtained by NBC News. —Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 30 Oct. 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