guidebook

American  

[gahyd-book] / ˈgaɪdˌbʊk /

noun

1. a book of directions, advice, and information, especially for travelers or tourists.

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guidebook British  

/ ˈɡaɪdˌbʊk /

noun

1. Also called: guide.  a handbook with information for visitors to a place, as a historic building, museum, or foreign country

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Other Word Forms

• guidebookish adjective
• guidebooky adjective

Etymology

Origin of guidebook

First recorded in 1805–15; guide + book

Example Sentences

The camping guidebook referred to Magpie Island as a “primitive facility” which meant the hiking trails and campsites were cleared, but there was no water available and no picnic tables or fireplaces.

From Literature

He rewrote the guidebook for greeting and serving consumers, restricted cafe bathrooms to paying customers and returned condiment bars to the public.

From The Wall Street Journal

If it sparks your curiosity, check it out — and consider pairing it with a guidebook, history, or photography collection from the same place.

From Salon

The Story Prize-winning McCracken knows a lot about writing fiction, but think of her new title less as a craft book and more as a guidebook for first-time tourists and seasoned travelers alike.

From Los Angeles Times

The guidebook full of clues that had led him to Switzerland had been nothing but a red herring.

From Literature

Related Words

• manual
• map
• reference book