fake book

noun

1. a collection of lead sheets for musicians, especially a songbook of standards for use by jazz instrumentalists.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fake book¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Meyer estimated that he personally gutted, stuffed and glued about half of the fake books by hand.

From Los Angeles Times

The warmth of the family melodrama that powers the internal core of the narrative and provides the impetus to push Monk forward with the fake book tends to declaw the social commentary.

From Los Angeles Times

"That's an actual crime," he tweeted, arguing it would be a "stronger" case than "some fake book keeping on hush money."

From Salon

Ms Slotkin said she knew of at least two "fake book clubs" where Republican women tell their husbands they are meeting to discuss literature but actually go out campaigning for Democrats.

From BBC

Bebop was not initially considered part of the jazz canon, but its inclusion in early mid-20th century fake books helped solidify the style’s standing in the narrative of jazz.

From New York Times