yearbook

American  

[yeer-book] / ˈyɪərˌbʊk /

noun

1. a book published annually, containing information, statistics, etc., about the past year.

   an encyclopedia yearbook.

2. a book published by the graduating class of a high school or college, containing photographs of class members and commemorating school activities.

---

yearbook British  

/ ˈjɪəˌbʊk /

noun

1. an almanac or reference book published annually and containing details of events of the previous year

---

Etymology

Origin of yearbook

First recorded in 1580–90; year + book

Explanation

The album of photos that many high schools and colleges offer students at the end of each school year is a yearbook. If you want to be sure to get your picture in the yearbook, join a lot of clubs and teams. A traditional yearbook is a large, bound book organized by class, which includes a photograph of every student. Most yearbooks also feature pictures of teams, school groups and clubs, faculty members, staff, and candid photos taken throughout the school year. In many schools, it's traditional to get your yearbook signed by friends and even teachers. Yearbooks have become less common over the years, as digital equivalents have increased in popularity. Online yearbooks may eventually replace the printed version.

Example Sentences

Not even in a photo album or yearbook.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026

So, in my high school yearbook, under my picture, it says, “Plans to be a chef.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

A yearbook photo of the group shows James as he stood in the back row smiling broadly, his hair neatly parted to the side.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 11, 2025

"And his parents were totally unaware of that until they received the child's yearbook and there were photographs."

From BBC • May 22, 2025

I went in the opposite direction, toward the yearbook office, checking over my shoulder to make sure he wasn’t following me.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

Related Words

• calendar
• journal