textbook

The word “textbook” means a book used for formal study of a particular subject, especially in schools or universities. In plain terms, a book used to study a subject, or (as an adjective) a perfect, by-the-book example of something.

“Textbook” is pronounced TEHKST-buuk (/ˈtɛkst.bʊk/ in IPA).

Here is “textbook” used in a sentence: “The chemistry textbook cost almost as much as the course itself.”

Depending on how it is used, “textbook” can be a noun and an adjective.

“Textbook” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Textbook” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a book used for formal study of a particular subject, especially in schools or universities.

A textbook is a book used for formal study of a subject, typically containing explanations and information, while a workbook usually contains exercises and blank spaces for students to complete as practice. Textbooks are often used alongside workbooks in the same course.

When used as an adjective, textbook describes something done in a perfect, exemplary way that could serve as a model case, such as a "textbook landing" or a "textbook example" of a strategy. This usage draws on the idea of matching the ideal description found in a textbook.

Textbook is usually a compliment, praising something as flawless or perfectly executed, but it can occasionally sound slightly clinical or unoriginal, as if something followed the rules too exactly rather than showing creativity. Context and tone determine which reading applies.