Textbook Definition Textbook Definition 1

Textbook (noun) — a book used for studying a particular subject, especially in schools or universities, containing educational content, exercises, and explanations written by experts to help students learn systematically.

Part of speech:
Noun (countable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/ˈtekst.bʊk/
CEFR level:
A2
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Textbook”?

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Tips for “text” pronunciation: 

Stress on the first syllable TEKST, where the x sounds like ks, and the second syllable book has a short oo sound, like in “foot.”

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Examples: How to Use “Textbook” in a Sentence?

Learn and define a “textbook” from these authentic examples showing how students discuss this item during their academic journey and study routines.

I need to buy the biology textbook before classes start next week.
Our math textbook has practice problems at the end of every chapter.
She sold her old textbooks online after finishing the course to get some money back.
The professor recommended buying the latest edition of the chemistry textbook.
My history textbook is so heavy that my backpack hurts my shoulders every day.

What Are Synonyms for the Word “Textbook”?

Although “textbook” is a specific term, these corresponding words will assist you in making a more accurate discussion of the different kinds of learning materials and boost your vocabulary in general.

Related nouns: coursebook manual handbook study guide

Synonyms (contextual): reference book

Common collocations: college textbook digital textbook used textbook

“Textbook” Word Formation and Description in Context

Strengthen your English by learning how to say “textbook” in these practical combinations with nouns, adjectives and verbs that are used daily when discussing courses, materials and the study process.

With adjectives: expensive textbook thick textbook required textbook informative textbook

With verbs: buy a textbook read a textbook sell textbooks borrow textbooks

With nouns (noun + noun): textbook chapter textbook cost textbook rental textbook edition

Idioms and Phrases with “Textbook”

The meaning of “textbook” is pretty straightforward and there are not so many idioms that will cover something different in terms of description. But still, take a look at popular phrases that are most of the time associated with this word.

  • Textbook example — a perfect or classic example of something; exactly as it should be according to theory.

    His presentation was a textbook example of how to engage an audience effectively.
  • Textbook case — a situation that perfectly demonstrates typical characteristics or follows expected patterns.

    Her symptoms were a textbook case of the flu — fever, body aches, and fatigue.
  • Textbook move — an action or decision that is done exactly as it is described in a guide or manual, perfectly correct.

    She defended her argument calmly and confidently, a real textbook move in negotiation.
Textbook Idioma Textbook Idioma 1
  • Digital textbook — an electronic version of a traditional textbook, usually accessible on a computer, tablet, or e-reader, often with interactive features like videos, quizzes, or hyperlinks.

    Students were excited to use the digital textbook, which allowed them to take notes directly on their tablets.

Test Your Knowledge of “Textbook” Meaning: Quiz Time!

Evaluate your knowledge of expressions and “textbook” vocabulary through these comprehension questions made specifically with a learner-centered approach.

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the correct option:
1
A textbook is a book specifically designed for educational purposes and studying.
2
“A textbook example” means something is poorly done and confusing.
3
Digital textbooks are available online and can be read on electronic devices.
Type 2: Right word order:
Put these chaotic words in order:
1
expensive
are
Textbooks
very
often
2
new
bought
I
biology
textbook
a
3
chapter
Read
in
first
the
textbook
the
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Select the right answer:
1
Your coach says your technique is “a textbook example.” What does she mean?
2
This traffic accident is a textbook case of someone ignoring a red light. What is a “textbook case”?
3
The chess player’s winning strategy was a textbook move. What is meant here?

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“Textbook” Word in Other Languages

Explore how students around the world refer to their educational books in Spanish, French, and German. Listen and learn how to spell “textbook” in these languages.

Language Word for “Textbook”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Libro de texto
Flag French French   Manuel scolaire
Flag German German   Lehrbuch

Discover Fun Facts About “Textbook”

The history of textbooks is quite fascinating and their economics are even more surprising, which together disclose the actual functioning of the educational publishing sector.

  • Textbooks are incredibly expensive in the US.

    The typical American university student spends $1,200-$1,500 annually for the purchase of textbooks and other academic supplies. From 1980 to 2020, the cost of textbooks has gone up by more than 800%, making it very hard to cope with the continually changing prices.
  • Textbook rental services are growing rapidly.

    Textbook rental businesses and digital subscriptions have turned out as popular options to fight against high prices. Students are able to rent physical books for a semester at 40-60% of the purchasing price or to have access to the online versions via subscription services.
  • Some textbooks have hundreds of editions.

    It is a common practice for popular textbooks to come out with new editions after a few years, making at times only minor content changes. One of the reasons for this is to suppress the used textbook market, as students have no other choice but to buy the new edition.

Quotes Featuring the Word “Textbook”

See how people use “textbook” in English and emphasize its role in education and the impact on learning.

“The content of most textbooks is perishable, but the tools of self-directedness serve one well over time.”

Albert Bandura

Explanation: Bandura stresses that the use of facts and information contained in textbooks may become outdated, however, the ability to learn independently, think critically and solve problems will always be a tremendous asset during lifetime.

“Science in textbooks is not fun. But if you start doing science yourself, you will find delight.”

— Masatoshi Koshiba

Explanation: It can be pretty boring to read about science, but learning through experiments and the personal exploration of ideas becomes very attractive and thrilling. True comprehension is achieved through doing alone and not through mere reading.

“The real answers aren’t in textbooks; they can be found through experiences.”

Hilary Knight

Explanation: True understanding comes from live experiences and learning from them, through the use of them in practice, given that learning results come from trials and errors rather than relying on theoretical guessing.