book learning

noun

1. knowledge acquired by reading books, as distinguished from that obtained through observation and experience.
2. formal education:

   She thought that common sense was just as important as book learning.

book-learning

noun

1. knowledge gained from books rather than from direct personal experience
2. formal education

Other Words From

• book-learn·ed [book, -lur-nid, -lurnd], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of book learning¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

Many things besides book-learning did Wang Ken teach his pupil.

From Project Gutenberg

I'm so glad spring is here at last that I've got to take it out in something besides book-learning.

From Project Gutenberg

They are good girls, both, and as busy as they are good; in spare moments they come up here, and take to book learning.

From Project Gutenberg

Mere scholarship—book-learning—is seldom effective in the solution of intricate national and economic problems.

From Project Gutenberg

You know what is before you, and these qualities are of far more importance, in your case, than any book learning.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• culture
• discipline
• improvement
• information
• learning
• literacy
• scholarship
• schooling
• science
• study
• teaching
• training