noun
Common
handbook
HAND-buuk
Handbook (noun) means a concise reference book covering a particular subject, meant to be kept close at hand. Example: “The new hire was given an employee handbook on her first day.”
noun
1
A concise reference book covering a particular subject, meant to be kept close at hand.
"The new hire was given an employee handbook on her first day."
"I keep a small gardening handbook on the shelf by the back door."
"The pilot checked the handbook before attempting the unfamiliar landing."
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Word forms
- Plural
- handbooks
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The new hire was given an employee _____ on her first day.
Etymology
From Old English handbōc, a compound of hand and book, possibly influenced by the similar German word Handbuch.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for handbook
See all rhymes for handbook →Frequently asked questions
What does “handbook” mean?
The word “handbook” means a concise reference book covering a particular subject, meant to be kept close at hand.
How do you pronounce “handbook”?
“Handbook” is pronounced HAND-buuk (/ˈhændˌbʊk/ in IPA).
How do you use “handbook” in a sentence?
Here is “handbook” used in a sentence: “The new hire was given an employee handbook on her first day.”
What part of speech is “handbook”?
“Handbook” is a noun.
Where does the word “handbook” come from?
The word “handbook” comes from Old English. From Old English handbōc, a compound of hand and book, possibly influenced by the similar German word Handbuch.
Is “handbook” a common word?
“Handbook” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a handbook and a manual?
A handbook is a concise reference book covering a particular subject, designed to be kept close at hand for quick consultation, while a manual often implies more detailed, step-by-step instructions for operating or performing a specific task. The two terms overlap heavily and are frequently used interchangeably in practice.
What is the difference between a handbook and a textbook?
A handbook is meant as a quick, portable reference for looking things up, whereas a textbook is typically a comprehensive teaching resource designed for structured study of a subject. A handbook assumes some existing knowledge; a textbook usually builds that knowledge from the ground up.
What is an employee handbook?
An employee handbook is a type of handbook that gives staff a concise reference to a company's policies, procedures, and expectations, so they can look up guidance without needing to ask each time.
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