booking

American  

[book-ing] / ˈbʊk ɪŋ /

noun

1. a contract, engagement, or scheduled performance of a professional entertainer.

2. reservation.

3. the act of a person who books.

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booking British  

/ ˈbʊkɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. a reservation, as of a table or room in a hotel, seat in a theatre, or seat on a train, aircraft, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      the booking office at a railway station

2. theatre an engagement for the services of an actor or acting company

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Etymology

Origin of booking

First recorded in 1635–45; book + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

For example, travelers from the San Francisco Bay Area were shown “substantially higher” hotel prices than people booking the same hotels from other parts of the country, a 2025 investigation by SFGate found.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

The push comes while demand for booking a jet is growing as more people join the ranks of the rich.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

But right now, many foreign acts also feel fear — or at least wariness — about booking substantial tours in the United States.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

Despite publicising that the business cannot cater for all allergens, he says people still turn up for their booking, which can cause additional pressure on staff in a "fast-paced environment".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Andy Blevins says he will return to Virginia Highlands, taking classes at night; the Gospel Gentlemen are no longer booking performances.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times