copybook

[ kop-ee-book ]

noun

a book containing models, usually of penmanship, for learners to imitate.
a book for or containing copies, as of documents.

adjective

commonplace; stereotyped: a copybook sort of phrase.

Origin of copybook

First recorded in 1550–60; copy + book

Words Nearby copybook

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use copybook in a sentence

Powell is someone who truly "blotted his copybook," as the Brits used to say.
Powell's Lost Cause | W. Patrick Lang | October 20, 2008 | THE DAILY BEAST
Thee reading print like the young minister and writing letters like a copybook!
The Woman Thou Gavest Me | Hall Caine
Sargent who alone had lingered came forward slowly, showing an open copybook.
Ulysses | James Joyce
Rag and Tatters, and copybook wisdom, well-thumbed and learnt, and then retailed as the original article.
Heriot's Choice | Rosa Nouchette Carey
This was another copybook much used by builders and provincial architects.
The Cultural History of Marlborough, Virginia | C. Malcolm Watkins

Audouin took the book in his hand—Sam Churchill's ten-cent copybook—and turned over the well-filled pages with a critical eye.
Babylon, Volume 1 (of 3) | Grant Allen

British Dictionary definitions for copybook

copybook

/ (ˈkɒpɪˌbʊk) /

noun

a book of specimens, esp of penmanship, for imitation
mainly US a book for or containing documents

blot one's copybook informal to spoil one's reputation by making a mistake, offending against social customs, etc
(modifier) trite or unoriginal: copybook sentiments

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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