copybook

UK: /ˈkɒpibʊk/ US: (kop′ē bŏŏk′)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

cop•y•book  (kop′ē bŏŏk′), n. 

1. a book containing models, usually of penmanship, for learners to imitate.
2. a book for or containing copies, as of documents.

adj. 

3. commonplace;
   stereotyped:
   a copybook sort of phrase.

• copy + book 1550–60

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

copybook / ˈkɒpɪˌbʊk/ noun

1. a book of specimens, esp of penmanship, for imitation
2. a book for or containing documents
3. blot one's copybook ⇒ to spoil one's reputation by making a mistake, offending against social customs, etc
4. (modifier) trite or unoriginal