copybook: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, archaic for literal sense; idiomatic/metaphorical use is formal or journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “copybook” mean?
A book used for practising handwriting, containing examples of letters, words, or sentences to be copied.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A book used for practising handwriting, containing examples of letters, words, or sentences to be copied.
Also refers to something done perfectly or faultlessly (as in 'a copybook answer'), and metaphorically to blot or spoil one's record.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The literal 'copybook' for handwriting is largely historical/archaic in both. The idiom 'blot one's copybook' is primarily British; Americans are unlikely to use it naturally. 'A copybook answer/performance' is understood in AmE but not a common collocation.
Connotations
In BrE, idiomatic use evokes old-fashioned school discipline and reputation. In AmE, if used, it feels like a Britishism or a deliberate archaism.
Frequency
Very low frequency in AmE (outside of historical contexts). Low-to-medium in BrE, concentrated in the idiomatic/metaphorical phrases.
Grammar
How to Use “copybook” in a Sentence
to blot [POSSESSIVE] copybooka copybook [NOUN (e.g., answer, tackle, catch)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “copybook” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- It was a copybook cover drive, straight from the coaching manual.
- She gave a copybook demonstration of the procedure.
American English
- The pilot executed a copybook landing despite the crosswinds. (Understood but rare)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'He blotted his copybook with the missed deadline and was passed over for promotion.'
Academic
Rare. Could appear in historical or pedagogical texts discussing literacy education.
Everyday
The idiom 'blot your copybook' might be used by older speakers in BrE. The literal object is virtually obsolete.
Technical
Not applicable in modern technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “copybook”
- Using 'copybook' to mean a book for making copies (Xerox).
- Using the idiom 'blot your copybook' in American contexts where it sounds unnatural.
- Thinking the literal meaning is still common.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the literal meaning is archaic. You might find it in historical contexts, but modern equivalents are 'handwriting book' or 'practice book'.
It means to spoil your good record or reputation by making a mistake or doing something wrong.
Rarely. The literal object is called a 'handwriting book' or 'copybook' only in historical contexts. The idiom 'blot your copybook' is not part of everyday American English and would be perceived as a British expression.
Yes, attributively. Phrases like 'a copybook performance' or 'a copybook answer' describe something done perfectly, exactly as taught or as it should be done.
A book used for practising handwriting, containing examples of letters, words, or sentences to be copied.
Copybook is usually formal, archaic for literal sense; idiomatic/metaphorical use is formal or journalistic. in register.
Copybook: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒpibʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːpibʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blot your copybook”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a perfect, ink-stained school BOOK for COPYing letters. A single BLOT of ink ruins the clean page, just as one mistake can ruin a clean reputation.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS SCHOOL / REPUTATION IS A CLEAN PAGE. A mistake is a blot of ink on that page.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern use of 'copybook' in British English?