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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of booking

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

Example Sentences

Kanye West has said he "would be grateful" to meet members of the Jewish community in the UK after controversy over his headline booking at this year's Wireless Festival.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

“As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking YE and no concerns were highlighted at the time.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Whether because audiences simply enjoy techno-optimism or because a friendly position helps with guest booking, it does seem like non-adversarial tech coverage is a rocket ship right now.

From Slate • Apr. 7, 2026

According to media reports, the government is reviewing whether West should be allowed to enter the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer having already called his booking "deeply concerning".

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Probably the circus was pretty stupid taking a booking there, but that wasn’t the point.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman