audio book

American

Also audiobook

a recording of an oral reading of a book, often in abridged form.

audio book British

noun

a reading of a book recorded on tape

"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

Etymology

Origin of audio book

1985–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For example, if you hate your commute to work, try leaving earlier to avoid traffic or play a podcast or audio book to pass the time.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

Gruffalo Granny - the third in the popular series about the fictional monster and his family and friends - will be released in hardback and audio book on 10 September.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

He’s been listening to an audio book called “Outwitting the Devil” by Napoleon Hill leading up to the tournament.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 11, 2024

The category of audio book, narration and storytelling recording is a jumble of boldfaced names, with nods for Meryl Streep, William Shatner, Rick Rubin, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Michelle Obama.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2023

The actress picked up her trophy for best audio book, narration, and storytelling recording at the event’s preshow ceremony on Sunday.

From New York Times • Feb. 5, 2023

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023