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

That’s the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders — the authoritative handbook of mental disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association and used by mental health professionals in the United States. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

The handbook governs team and league personnel and covers a wide range of topics, including draft eligibility, player acquisition and roster management. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 17 Sep. 2026

That may be the most consequential shift in knowledge management since physical handbooks became digital knowledge bases. — Chakkry Arunachalam, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has just the handbook for that. — Corey Bridges, NPR, 7 Sep. 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