notebook
C1Neutral to formal, depending on context (physical object = neutral; computing = more formal/technical).
Definition
Meaning
A small book with blank or ruled pages for writing notes.
Any portable device or object for recording information, including modern electronic devices like laptop computers or dedicated note-taking applications.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core meaning is a bound physical object. In the computing sense, it's a shortening of 'notebook computer,' where the device metaphorically resembles a closed notebook in size and portability. The word does not imply specific content like a journal or diary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use the word identically for physical and electronic devices. Spelling is always 'notebook'.
Connotations
In both, a physical 'notebook' can be seen as more casual, creative, or analog compared to a 'laptop' or 'tablet.' In business/tech contexts, 'notebook' (computer) is standard.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English for the computing sense due to earlier marketing of 'notebook computers.'
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
keep a notebook (on/of)jot (sth) in a notebookflip through a notebookboot up the notebookVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a notebook in the cloud (refers to digital/online notes)”
- “living out of a notebook (heavily reliant on written notes)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a portable computer for presentations and work, or a physical book for meeting minutes.
Academic
A lab notebook for recording experiments, or a student's exercise book for notes.
Everyday
A simple book for shopping lists, reminders, or personal thoughts.
Technical
In computing, a class of lightweight laptop; in data science (e.g., Jupyter Notebook), an interactive computational environment.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He notebooked the key points from the lecture.
- She meticulously notebooks every plant she finds.
American English
- The reporter notebooked the witness's statement.
- I need to notebook that idea before I forget it.
adjective
British English
- She prefers a notebook-style planner.
- The notebook paper was feint-ruled.
American English
- He bought a notebook-sized laptop.
- The notebook cover was made of recycled materials.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a new notebook for school.
- She writes words in her notebook.
- Please take out your notebooks and write this down.
- I lost the notebook where I wrote the address.
- His research notebook contained detailed observations from the field study.
- The company issued new notebook computers to all sales staff.
- The integrity of the lab notebook is crucial for validating the scientific process.
- She runs complex data analyses using a Python notebook in her browser.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as a 'book' for your 'notes' – it does exactly what it says.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR IDEAS/KNOWLEDGE (The notebook holds thoughts); PORTABLE KNOWLEDGE (Carrying a notebook is carrying potential information).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'тетрадка' for a laptop computer; it's only for the physical book. The computing term is 'ноутбук'.
- Do not confuse with 'блокнот' which is typically a smaller, unbound notepad. 'Notebook' implies binding.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'notebook' to mean a textbook (incorrect).
- Saying 'I wrote it on my notebook' instead of 'in my notebook'.
- Confusing 'notebook' with 'notepad' (the latter is often smaller and simpler).
Practice
Quiz
In modern technical contexts, a 'notebook' can often refer to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes and no. 'Notebook computer' is a synonym for a small, lightweight laptop. However, in strict usage, 'laptop' is the broader category, and 'notebook' specifies a particularly slim and portable model.
A notebook is generic and for any notes. A journal implies regular, often personal or reflective, entries, like a diary or learning journal.
Yes, though it's less common and somewhat informal or jargonistic (e.g., in journalism or fieldwork). It means to write something down in a notebook.
In a school context, yes. An 'exercise book' is a specific type of notebook, often with ruled pages and a simple cover, used by students for schoolwork. Outside of school, Brits still use 'notebook'.
Collections
Part of a collection
Education
A2 · 50 words · School, studying and learning vocabulary.