book / boŏk/ • n. 1. a written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers: a book of selected poems. ∎  a literary composition that is published or intended for publication as such a work: the book is set in the 1940s. ∎  (the books) used to refer to studying: he is so deep in his books he would forget to eat. ∎  a main division of a classic literary work, an epic, or the Bible: the Book of Genesis. ∎  (the book) the local telephone directory: is your name in the book? ∎  (the Book) the Bible. ∎ inf. a magazine. ∎ fig. an imaginary record or list (often used to emphasize the thoroughness or comprehensiveness of someone’s actions or experiences): she felt every emotion in the book of love.2. a bound set of blank sheets for writing or keeping records in: an accounts book. ∎  (books) a set of records or accounts: he can balance the books. ∎  a bookmaker's record of bets accepted and money paid out.3. a set of tickets, stamps, matches, checks, samples of cloth, etc., bound together: a pattern book. ∎  (the book) the first six tricks taken by the declarer in a hand of bridge.• v. [tr.] 1. reserve (accommodations, a place, etc.); buy (a ticket) in advance: I have booked a table at the Swan. ∎  reserve accommodations for (someone): his secretary had booked him into the Howard Hotel. ∎  engage (a performer or guest) for an occasion or event. ∎  (be booked (up) ) have all appointments or places reserved; be full.2. make an official record of the name and other personal details of (a criminal suspect or offender): the cop booked me and took me down to the station.PHRASES: by the book strictly according to the rules: a cop who doesn't exactly play it by the book.close the book on lay aside; expend no further energy on: Congress closed the book on wool subsidies. in my book in my opinion: that counts as a lie in my book.make book take bets on the outcome of an event: fig. I wouldn't make book on it. one for the books an extraordinary feat or event.throw the book at inf. charge or punish (someone) as severely as possible. wrote the book be the leader in the field: John wrote the book on goatpacking.DERIVATIVES: book·a·ble adj.