notebook

American  

[noht-book] / ˈnoʊtˌbʊk /

noun

1. a book of notes.

   They checked the sergeant's notebook for clues to his whereabouts.

2. a book or binder of blank, often ruled, pages on which to write, especially one used by students to take notes in class.

3. a book in which promissory notes are entered, registered, recorded, etc.

4. Digital Technology. a small, lightweight laptop computer.

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notebook British  

/ ˈnəʊtˌbʊk /

noun

1. a book for recording notes or memoranda

2. a book for registering promissory notes

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Etymology

Origin of notebook

First recorded in 1570–80; note + book

Explanation

A notebook is a blank book that you can write in. Students often carry notebooks, where they can take notes (and doodle). The pages in a notebook are often lined, so that you can write neatly. You might keep one for writing to-do lists or thoughts (like a journal), or your notebooks might all be large binders full of class notes and math problems. Notebooks can be bound like books, or with a spiral metal or plastic binding, or consist of loose pages in a three-ring binder. Another, newer kind of notebook is a slim, lightweight laptop computer.

Example Sentences

Ava steps away for a moment, giving Deborah an opportunity to reach for her notebook to scribble a thought . . . then it happens.

From Salon • May 29, 2026

Shipments of notebook computers were down 27% in April from the previous month, according to KeyBanc analysts on Monday.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

Maya Hawke sits at a picnic table in Griffith Park with an iced tea and a small notebook and happily reports that she still likes her new record.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

In it, the daughter of a talented mathematician discovers a life-changing proof in a notebook following his death.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

“What kind of bird?” said Alexander, opening his notebook.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• binder
• diary
• journal
• pad