copybook

American  

[kop-ee-book] / ˈkɒp iˌbʊk /

noun

• copybooks
  plural

1. a book containing models, usually of penmanship, for learners to imitate.

2. a book for or containing copies, as of documents.

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adjective

1. commonplace; stereotyped.

   a copybook sort of phrase.

copybook British  

/ ˈkɒpɪˌbʊk /

noun

1. a book of specimens, esp of penmanship, for imitation

2. a book for or containing documents

3. informal to spoil one's reputation by making a mistake, offending against social customs, etc

4. (modifier) trite or unoriginal

   copybook sentiments

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• copybooks
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of copybook

First recorded in 1550–60; copy + book

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

copybook copybooks

Lando Norris and McLaren delivered on their potential with a copybook victory in a demanding Australian Grand Prix in the most difficult of conditions to put their stamp on the start of the new season.

From BBC ● Mar. 16, 2025

Verstappen's win was copybook after a brief challenge from Norris in the opening laps.

From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2023

Miyazawa produced a copybook finish in the 81st, running onto a superb through ball and directing her shot wide of Mikalsen.

From Washington Times ● Aug. 5, 2023

Among Burke's epigrams are such copybook maxims as "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

From Salon ● Jul. 1, 2023

In the midst of the pandemonium Gershom Bulkeley quietly reached for the copybook, studied it carefully, and turned a shrewd, deliberative eye upon Kit.

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare

They’ve blotted their own copybooks by choosing to seek short-term relief at the expense of their long-term mission.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 27, 2025

Not doing it is a bit of a blot on the copybooks of both players.

From BBC ● Jan. 23, 2025

Spencerian penmanship inscribed its elegant contours across the culture during its long reign among the ledgers and copybooks.

From Washington Times ● Aug. 5, 2017

But go back a few generations and you will find school copybooks full of diacritics: role was rôle, and so on.

From Time ● Feb. 17, 2016

During recess the teachers locked themselves up in their office with the shelves of books, copybooks, inks from China.

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston

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