booking - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
booking Word Meanings
- a reservation made in advance for a seat, room, or service
- the act of making such a reservation
- the police process of recording a suspect in custody
booking Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
booking Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈbʊkɪŋ/
US
/ˈbʊkɪŋ/
booking Word Etymology
(a) suffix -ing added to the root book to form booking. (b) from Old English bōc meaning book, from Proto-Germanic *bōk-; cognate with Dutch boek and German Buch. (c) memory image: imagine a traveler signing a guest book to secure a reservation.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Booking covers two main ideas: a reservation made in advance for a seat, room, or service, and the act of making such a reservation. We regularly say I have a hotel booking, a flight booking, or a restaurant booking, and the word can also refer to the police process of recording a suspect in custody. The emphasis is on planning ahead, securing a time or place, and obtaining a confirmation. Note that book is the verb to reserve, while booking is the noun form. Common collocations include make a booking, cancel a booking, or confirm your booking.
Usage Reminders
- Make a booking, confirm your booking, cancel a booking, change a booking, and avoid overbooking. Use booking when the noun refers to the reservation itself, not the act of reserving. Differentiate from by booking a seat vs booking out a hotel.
Common Misconceptions
- Booking and reserving are always the same thing
- Booking only relates to travel
- A booking must be paid immediately
- Booking is not used for police processes
- You can always cancel without penalties
Thinking Differences
In English, booking often centers on plans and confirmations; learners worry about whether a booking guarantees a spot or can be canceled easily.
Learning Tips
- Notice two senses in context: reservation vs police recording
- Pair booking with make a booking for actions
- Learn common collocations: confirm, cancel, change
- Differentiate booking from bookmark (memory aid)
- Practice real-life scenarios: hotels, flights, restaurants
- Watch for overbooking risk in travel contexts
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Which option best defines the word booking?
A.A detailed schedule showing what someone will do each day.
B.The formal process of writing and publishing a book.
C.The act of reserving something in advance, such as a seat or hotel room.
D.An enthusiastic recommendation from a friend.
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word booking correctly?
A.She made a booking for a table at the restaurant for Friday night.
B.He is booking tall enough to join the basketball team.
C.The teacher asked students to booking pages 40 to 45 for homework.
D.They were booking the grocery shelves before the store opened.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in meaning to booking?
A.Reservation
B.Purchase
C.Cancellation
D.Identification
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of booking in the sense of reserving?
A.Cancellation
B.Confirmation
C.Reservation
D.Payment
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give a real-life example where the idea of booking applies? Choose the option that best fits. Do not use the target word in your answer.
A.I called the airline to reserve a seat on the morning flight.
B.She returned the shoes because they did not fit.
C.He submitted his homework before the deadline.
D.They enjoyed a surprise party at the office.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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