a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
"I am reading a good book on economics"
a compilation of the known facts regarding something or someone
"Al Smith used to say, `Let's look at the record'"
"his name is in all the record books"
a written version of a play or other dramatic composition; used in preparing for a performance
"The actors spent hours studying their lines from the book before opening night."
a record in which commercial accounts are recorded
"they got a subpoena to examine our books"
a collection of playing cards satisfying the rules of a card game
"The dealer began to shuffle the book before dealing out the hands for whist."
the sacred writings of the Christian religions
"he went to carry the Word to the heathen"
a number of sheets (ticket or stamps etc.) bound together on one edge
"he bought a book of stamps"
A collection of sheets of paper bound together to hinge at one edge, containing printed or written material, pictures, etc.
"I accidentally left my favorite book on the train and now I can't find it anywhere."
In plain English: A book is a collection of written pages bound together inside a cover that you can read.
"I need to reserve a table at the restaurant by booking it in advance."
Usage: Use "book" to refer to any physical volume containing pages, such as a novel, textbook, or cookbook, regardless of its size or thickness. Avoid using it for digital files unless you are specifically contrasting them with traditional paper editions.
record a charge in a police register
"The policeman booked her when she tried to solicit a man"
register in a hotel booker
"After booking our flights, we quickly registered at the front desk to reserve rooms for everyone in our family."
To reserve (something) for future use.
"She baked a cake yesterday, but she decided to book it for later so we could enjoy dinner first."
simple past tense of bake
In plain English: To book something means to officially reserve it so you can use it later.
"We need to book a table for dinner at that new Italian restaurant."
Usage: When used as a verb in modern English, to book means to reserve or schedule something like a flight, hotel room, or appointment. Do not use it to mean the past tense of bake, which is baked.
The word "book" comes from Old English bōc, originally referring to a manuscript or written document before traveling into modern English. The related term "bookmaker" was formed later by shortening the phrase "one who makes bets."