bankbook: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Archaic
Quick answer
What does “bankbook” mean?
A small book issued by a bank, used to record deposits, withdrawals, and account balance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small book issued by a bank, used to record deposits, withdrawals, and account balance.
A physical record of a customer's bank transactions; historically the primary means for account holders to track their balance before digital statements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood but rarely used in both varieties. The British term 'passbook' is more common for similar savings account records. In American English, it is largely obsolete, replaced by 'account register' or simply 'checkbook' (for current/checking accounts).
Connotations
Connotes old-fashioned banking practices, thrift, and manual record-keeping. May be used deliberately to evoke a sense of tradition or simplicity.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary use. Most likely encountered in historical contexts, period dramas, or among older generations.
Grammar
How to Use “bankbook” in a Sentence
to update [POSS] bankbookto enter [SOMETHING] in [POSS] bankbookto check [POSS] bankbookVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bankbook” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [The word 'bankbook' is not used as a verb]
American English
- [The word 'bankbook' is not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [The word 'bankbook' is not used as an adverb]
American English
- [The word 'bankbook' is not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [The word 'bankbook' is not used as an adjective]
American English
- [The word 'bankbook' is not used as an adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in small, traditional credit unions or savings banks.
Academic
Used in historical or economic studies discussing pre-digital banking.
Everyday
Virtually obsolete. An older person might refer to it.
Technical
Not a standard term in modern banking/fintech.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bankbook”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bankbook”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bankbook”
- Using 'bankbook' to refer to a modern bank statement (digital or paper).
- Thinking it is a synonym for a chequebook/checkbook.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A chequebook contains blank cheques for making payments. A bankbook is a record of deposits and withdrawals, typically for a savings account.
Very rarely, mostly in some traditional savings banks or credit unions, or in specific countries. Most have moved to electronic statements.
You should immediately inform your bank. They will cancel the old book and, if they still offer the service, issue a new one with the correct balance.
Because physical, customer-held record books have been largely replaced by digital records, ATM receipts, and online/mailed statements from the bank itself.
A small book issued by a bank, used to record deposits, withdrawals, and account balance.
Bankbook is usually formal/archaic in register.
Bankbook: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbæŋk.bʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbæŋk.bʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly associated with 'bankbook']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BOOK you take to the BANK to write your money story in.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A RECORDED NARRATIVE (The bankbook is the physical story of your savings).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern equivalent of a 'bankbook'?