booking

American  

[book-ing] / ˈbʊk ɪŋ /

noun

1. a contract, engagement, or scheduled performance of a professional entertainer.

2. reservation.

3. the act of a person who books.

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booking British  

/ ˈbʊkɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. a reservation, as of a table or room in a hotel, seat in a theatre, or seat on a train, aircraft, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      the booking office at a railway station

2. theatre an engagement for the services of an actor or acting company

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Etymology

Origin of booking

First recorded in 1635–45; book + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The one big exception: if changes are made to the ticket after booking, like shifting the date or the time of departure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Carnival said Friday that demand for cruises is stronger than its ever been, with people already booking trips two years from now, but the company still cuts its profit outlook as fuel costs surge.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

Newsome posted $30,000 bail on Monday, according to booking records.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

“People who were on the fence about booking a cruise are hitting ‘pause.’

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

She asked him about the book placed facedown on his lap, a familiar booking book that she knew he had read before.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie