audio book

American  

Also audiobook

1. a recording of an oral reading of a book, often in abridged form.

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audio book British  

noun

1. a reading of a book recorded on tape

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Etymology

Origin of audio book

1985–90

Example Sentences

Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said Monday he was grateful for his first Grammy, after bagging the top music industry award for audio book, narration and storytelling.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

Marley, 16, listened to the audio book with the rest of the class when he studied Of Mice and Men.

From BBC • Dec. 23, 2024

He’s been listening to an audio book called “Outwitting the Devil” by Napoleon Hill leading up to the tournament.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 11, 2024

Last week, publisher Simon & Schuster and its imprint Gallery Books announced that Oscar-nominated actor Michelle Williams would narrate the bulk of the audio book because “reliving everything” has been “heart-wrenching and emotional” for Spears.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2023

At Sunday’s ceremony, she secured the feat with her first Grammy Award — for the audiobook of her memoir “Finding Me,” in the best audio book, narration and storytelling recording category.

From New York Times • Feb. 5, 2023