Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

reference-book

noun
/ˈrɛfərəns bʊk/
Definition
A reference book is a type of book designed to be consulted for specific information rather than read from beginning to end.
Examples
  • The encyclopedia is a popular reference book in many households.
  • I often consult a thesaurus as a reference book when writing.
  • Libraries house a large collection of reference books on various topics.
Meaning
Reference books provide factual information and are used for quick lookups rather than prolonged reading.
Synonyms
  • guide
  • manual
  • directory
  • almanac
  • compendium