textbook

American  

[tekst-book] / ˈtɛkstˌbʊk /

noun

1. a book used by students as a standard work for a particular branch of study.

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adjective

1. pertaining to, characteristic of, or seemingly suitable for inclusion in a textbook; typical; classic.

   a textbook case.

textbook British  

/ ˈtɛkstˌbʊk /

noun

1. 1. a book used as a standard source of information on a particular subject

   2. ( as modifier )

      a textbook example

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Other Word Forms

• textbookish
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of textbook

First recorded in 1720–30; text + book

Explanation

A textbook is an informational book that you use specifically for a class at school. Your biology textbook might be so heavy that you dread lugging it to class. Textbooks are manuals written for instruction in a subject, rather than books you might read for fun. Today many students read textbooks in electronic form, rather than as bound hardcovers. Starting around the 19th century (with easy access to printing and standardized education in many parts of the world), textbooks became a common educational tool. Earlier, a textbook was a name for "a book with wide spaces between the lines."

Example Sentences

Textbook monetary policy prescribes looking through sudden supply shocks such as higher oil prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Textbook models will need to be re-drawn after a team of researchers found that water molecules at the surface of salt water are organised differently than previously thought.

From Science Daily • Jan. 15, 2024

Textbook makers are adding more phonics, and schools have dumped some popular programs that lacked that approach.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2023

Textbook publishers often try to avoid controversy to win approval of their books by education boards, the authors noted.

From Washington Post • Dec. 21, 2022

Based on the Textbook of anatomy and physiology, twelth edition, by Diana C. Kimber & Carolyn E. Gray, rev. by Caroline E. Stackpole & Lutie C. Leavell. © 10Oct50; AA164798.

From U.S. Copyright Renewals, 1977 July - December by Library of Congress. Copyright Office

Related Words

• workbook