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 lawsuit also said the handbook told workers they are expected to work with intensity and pull all-nighters. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

The company, in response to allegations that MrBeast failed to inform her of her rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act, shared a screenshot of her signature confirming receipt of the employee handbook, including FMLA policies, with the outlet. —Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026

On March 10, 2025, the company asked all employees to revisit and re-sign the employee handbook, which includes both FMLA and parental leave policies. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026

The full handbook was also shared in the press release from her legal counsel. —Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 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
• hornbook
• logbook

Kids Definition

handbook

noun

hand·​book -ˌbu̇k 

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