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

• manual
• primer
• text
• textbook

Examples of handbook in a Sentence

a handbook of grammar

Recent Examples on the Web

These pies must meet the strict requirements of the Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana, which issues a handbook of instructions, not unlike the team’s playbook, to certify the pizza is created in classic Neapolitan style. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025

According to the inmate handbook for FCI Dublin, inmates must wake up by 5 a.m. and be in their housing units for daily counts at 4:30 am. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 5 Dec. 2024

The program, which came with a 26-book handbook, filled a compact schedule led by a suite of USC Annenberg’s journalism professors. —Melanie Anzidei, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

Take a cue from the Olsen handbook and look for shaggy details, longline shapes, and reversible designs. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

handbook

noun

hand·​book -ˌbu̇k 

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