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

Speaking to students at Harvard University, he 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

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

Businesses may determine it’s not an effective move in the short run to keep giving new employees textbook grunt work as they slowly build their experience.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 28, 2026

"Satch, catch," John John Watson called out, tossing a textbook at Satchmo, who looked up at just the right time to not be hit in the face.

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds

Related Words

• workbook