book

noun

• 1a written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers:a book of selected poems
• a literary composition that is published or intended for publication as a book:he’s writing a book about his experiences
• a main division of a literary work or of the Bible:the Book of Genesis
• (also book of words) the libretto of a musical or opera, or the script of a play.
• (one's books) used to refer to studying:he was so deep in his books he would forget to eat
• (the book) the telephone directory for the area in which someone lives:is your name in the book?
• informal a magazine: [with modifier]:comic books
• an imaginary record or list (often used to emphasize the comprehensiveness of someone’s actions or experience):she felt every emotion in the book of love

• 2 [with modifier] a bound set of blank sheets for writing in:an accounts book
• (books) a set of records or accounts:a bid to balance the books
• a bookmaker’s record of bets accepted and money paid out.
• Soccer the notebook in which a referee writes the names of players who are cautioned for foul play: his name went into the book for a foul on Smyth

• 3a set of tickets, stamps, matches, samples of cloth, etc., bound together:a pattern book

• 4 (the book) the first six tricks taken by the declarer in a hand of bridge, after which further tricks count towards fulfilling the contract.

verb

• 1reserve (accommodation, a place, etc.); buy (a ticket) in advance:I have booked a table at the Swan [no object]:book early to avoid disappointment
• reserve accommodation for (someone):his secretary had booked him into the Howard Hotel [with two objects]:book me a single room at my usual hotel
• [no object] (book in/into) register one’s arrival at a hotel: he booked in at a hotel
• engage (a performer or guest) for an event: the promoter booked him for another appearance
• (be booked up) have all places reserved; be full: at weekends we’re usually booked up

• 2make an official note of the personal details of (a person who has broken a law or rule):the cop booked me and took me down to the station
• Soccer (of a referee) note down the name of (a player) who is cautioned for foul play: McMahon was booked for a foul

• 3leave suddenly:they just ate your pizza and drank your soda and booked
• move quickly; hurry:my sister and I booked to the playground I didn’t hear the verdict because I had to book it to work