handbook

American  

[hand-book] / ˈhændˌbʊk /

noun

1. a book of instruction or guidance, as for an occupation; manual.

   a handbook of radio.

2. a guidebook for travelers.

   a handbook of Italy.

3. a reference book in a particular field.

   a medical handbook.

4. a scholarly book on a specific subject, often consisting of separate essays or articles.

   a handbook of lectures on criticism.

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handbook British  

/ ˈhændˌbʊk /

noun

1. a reference book listing brief facts on a subject or place or directions for maintenance or repair, as of a car

   a tourists' handbook

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Etymology

Origin of handbook

Translation of German Handbuch

Explanation

A handbook is a guide or list of instructions on one particular subject. A new car comes with a handbook explaining how its controls work and giving tips for problems that arise. Sometimes new parents wish their newborn infant came with a handbook. A handbook is a type of reference book, offering information about a topic or a machine. Your bird handbook might include pictures of birds in your region, and the handbook that came with your blender will tell you how to use it and also might include several smoothie recipes. In Old English, it was handboc, though in Middle English this was replaced by manual, thought at the time to be a much prettier word.

Example Sentences

"I don't have many friends who are friends with their exes, actually," says Olivia Petter, author of dating handbook Millenial Love.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

You appear to be quite familiar with the Social Security Administration’s handbook, but I would also recommend reviewing and highlighting Sections 401-409 on widow’s benefits before your next meeting with the agency.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 31, 2025

But NAR said Monday that its 2026 handbook for MLSes won’t recommend that local databases mandate membership for the agents who use it.

From Barron's • Nov. 17, 2025

I know, and basically that is the lack of handbook that is egregious, because so many people who were in the public eye are now physically gone.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2025

But apparently the troll had not read the predator’s handbook, because it didn’t bother with the stealth approach, jumping directly to the lightning strike.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

Related Words

• directory
• guidebook
• manual
• text
• textbook