knowledge acquired by reading books, as distinguished from that obtained through observation and experience.
formal education.
She thought that common sense was just as important as book learning.
knowledge gained from books rather than from direct personal experience
formal education
First recorded in 1580–90
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In supple pentameter, Shakespeare explores the difference between the book learning the young men meant to engage in and the learning that emerges, despite their plans, from “the prompting eyes of beauty’s tutors.”
From New York Times ● Jul. 27, 2023
But what he lacks in book learning he’s more than made up for in wisdom, humanity and street smarts.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 4, 2023
A new book illuminates that debate — now focused on all disadvantaged children — and reveals the remarkable success that vocational-technical schools in Massachusetts have had strengthening job skills and book learning.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 19, 2022
“While book learning was the star of the show up until now, practical, hands-on learning has come into the picture.”
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 3, 2020
“I—I’m dumb. About book learning, I mean. Do you think you could teach me anything without—bawling me out?”
From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham
But I think his years of experience may be blinding him to the reality of how new hires with big ideas and fancy book-learning are perceived in the workplace.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 22, 2022
It was too ambitious, lurid with “a vile overdaubing with a coat of book-learning and mysticism.”
From The New Yorker ● Jul. 22, 2019
They did not know much about book-learning, but they knew good building materials when they saw them.
From Economist ● Jun. 12, 2014
Rush, and Rush fans, are long used to being the butt of the joke – kimono-wearing, book-learning, heavily moustachioed Canadian prog-rock overlords never seemed likely to be at the cutting edge of cool.
From The Guardian ● Mar. 24, 2011
“Son, book-learning isn’t everything. Common sense will go a long way. Me and Elzenia had plenty of that.”
From "Life Is So Good" by George Dawson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
