textbook

American  

[tekst-book] / ˈtɛkstˌbʊk /

noun

1. a book used by students as a standard work for a particular branch of study.

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adjective

1. pertaining to, characteristic of, or seemingly suitable for inclusion in a textbook; typical; classic.

   a textbook case.

textbook British  

/ ˈtɛkstˌbʊk /

noun

1. 1. a book used as a standard source of information on a particular subject

   2. ( as modifier )

      a textbook example

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Other Word Forms

• textbookish adjective

Etymology

Origin of textbook

First recorded in 1720–30; text + book

Example Sentences

Powell, speaking to students at Harvard University, laid out the textbook case for patience: Energy disruptions tend to be short-lived, and monetary policy works too slowly to counteract them in real time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The discovery challenges decades of biology textbook explanations and could influence how researchers approach hair loss and hair regeneration.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2026

The whipsaw moves in South Korean stocks last week were textbook examples of a bubble, Bank of America’s equity strategists say.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

He still remembers when he lost his high school textbook years ago on the 207 bus that departs from the Crenshaw station on Western Avenue.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

I noticed it in class when Mrs. Rouse asked her to read a passage out loud from the textbook.

From Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

Related Words

• workbook