book in: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “book in” mean?
To officially register one's arrival, especially at a hotel or a formal event.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To officially register one's arrival, especially at a hotel or a formal event.
To schedule an appointment or reserve a slot; to confirm one's attendance or participation in something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
"Book in" is far more common in British English. In American English, "check in" (for hotels/airports) and "sign in" (for events/offices) are strongly preferred for the arrival meaning. "Book in" might be understood in AmE but sounds distinctly BrE.
Connotations
In BrE, it has a neutral, procedural connotation. In AmE, using "book in" might be perceived as a Britishism.
Frequency
High frequency in BrE; low frequency in AmE except in specific contexts like booking appointments (e.g., 'booked in for a haircut').
Grammar
How to Use “book in” in a Sentence
[Subject] book [Object] in at/for [Place/Event][Subject] book in at [Place]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “book in” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to book in before 6 PM.
- Have you booked the car in for its service?
- I'm booked in for a dentist appointment next Tuesday.
American English
- I need to book in for a consultation. (less common)
- She's booked in for surgery next month. (appointment context)
- The band is booked in at the club for Friday night. (performance schedule)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
American English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The fully-booked-in schedule left no room for delays.
- He is a booked-in speaker at the conference.
American English
- (Rare as adjective; 'scheduled' or 'booked' is used instead)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for scheduling meetings or confirming attendance at conferences. 'I've booked you in for a 3 PM call with the client.'
Academic
Used for registering for conferences, workshops, or library use. 'All delegates must book in at the registration desk.'
Everyday
Most common for hotels, appointments (doctor, hair), and events. 'We'll book in at the hotel around 4 PM.'
Technical
In computing, can mean to enter data into a system log, though 'log in' is more common.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “book in”
- Using "book in" instead of "check in" for hotel arrival in AmE.
- Incorrect preposition: 'book in the hotel' (should be 'book in at the hotel' or 'book into the hotel').
- Using it transitively without an object when one is needed: 'I will book in' (correct) vs. 'I will book the meeting in' (correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In British English, they are often synonymous for hotel/airport registration. In American English, 'check in' is standard, and 'book in' sounds British or is used for appointments.
Yes, 'book into' is also correct and common, especially for hotels (e.g., 'book into a hotel'). 'Book in at' is also fine.
For hotels, the opposite is 'check out' or 'book out'. For events or appointments, it's simply 'cancel'.
It is neutral to informal. In very formal contexts, 'register' or 'check in' might be preferred even in BrE.
To officially register one's arrival, especially at a hotel or a formal event.
Book in: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbʊk ˈɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbʊk ˈɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “booked in solid (fully scheduled)”
- “book 'em (informal police/cinema usage, different meaning)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BOOK where you write your name when you arrive; you BOOK your name INto that book.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A SCHEDULE / TIME IS A RESOURCE (booking time into a schedule).
Practice
Quiz
In American English, which phrase is LEAST likely to be used for hotel arrival?