reference book

noun

1. a book containing useful facts or specially organized information, as an encyclopedia, dictionary, atlas, yearbook, etc.

2. Also called pass, passbook. South African.,  a domestic identity document formerly required to be carried by Black citizens.

reference book

noun

1. a book, such as an encyclopedia, dictionary, etc, from which information may be obtained

2. another name for passbook

Word History and Origins

Origin of reference book¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Related Words

• almanac 
• dictionary 
• directory 
• thesaurus