textbook

[ tekst-book ]

noun

1. a book used by students as a standard work for a particular branch of study.

adjective

1. pertaining to, characteristic of, or seemingly suitable for inclusion in a textbook; typical; classic:

   a textbook case.

textbook

/ ˈtɛkstˌbʊk /

noun

1. 1. a book used as a standard source of information on a particular subject
   2. ( as modifier )

      a textbook example

Derived Forms

• ˈtextˌbookish, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of textbook¹

First recorded in 1720–30; text + book

Example Sentences

Better that than to learn phrases from a textbook — something she declines to use.

From New York Times

Mr Douglas previously said the operation had been "textbook".

From BBC

At the startups, those who’ve worked in the industry for decades provide “invaluable” knowledge that simply isn’t in textbooks, industry workers say.

From Los Angeles Times

The original roll-out of smart meters is a “textbook example of a project failure”, Sir Dieter Helm, a former government advisor on energy policy, told Panorama.

From BBC

“If this was textbook, then why did the Crown Prosecution Service issue such a serious charge?” he says.

From BBC

Related Words

• workbook