bible

IPA/ˈbaɪbl/
KK[bˈaɪbəl]IPA/ˈbaɪbl/

bible — noun

  • biblesingular
  • biblesplural

1. the sacred book of Christianity, or one printed copy of it; the word can also re

1.nounB1
Definition

the sacred book of Christianity, or one printed copy of it; the word can also refer to the sacred writings of Judaism.

Example

Every night, Grandma Rosa reads the Bible beside the kitchen window.

read the Bible

Outside the station, volunteers handed each traveler a pocket Bible.

a Bible = one physical copy

Common collocations
  • read the Bible
  • Bible verse
  • Bible story
  • family Bible
  • swear on the Bible
Synonyms
  • scripture

    a broader religious word for sacred writing, often used in formal or religious contexts

  • holy book

    a general term that can refer to many religions, not only Christianity

  • sacred text

    more academic and often used in study or discussion

Grammar Patterns

the Bible

a Bible

read from the Bible

Usage Note

Usually written with a capital B when it names the sacred book itself. Use 'the Bible' for the text in general, but 'a Bible' when you mean one copy.

Common Mistakes

She reads Bible before bed.
She reads the Bible before bed.
this meaning normally takes 'the' when you mean the sacred book in general.
I bought bible for my grandfather.
I bought a Bible for my grandfather.
use the article when you mean one copy.

2. a book, magazine, or similar publication that people keep turning to because the

2.nounC1
Definition

a book, magazine, or similar publication that people keep turning to because they see it as the best practical guide in one area.

Example

For new bakers, Elena's cookbook became a bible for simple bread.

a bible for + group

At the salon, stylists keep that magazine as their color bible.

someone's bible

Common collocations
  • a bible for beginners
  • our bible on safety
  • a gardening bible
  • a fashion bible
  • a cook's bible
Synonyms
  • handbook

    usually more practical and less strongly praised

  • manual

    focuses on instructions, often for work or equipment

  • guide

    broader and more neutral; it does not imply great authority

  • reference

    emphasizes checking facts rather than loving or trusting the book

Grammar Patterns

a bible for + group

a bible on + subject

someone's bible

Usage Note

Often appears with 'for' or 'on' to name the field, or with a possessive such as 'our' or 'their'. It is approving and suggests that people trust the source again and again.

Common Mistakes

This book is bible for new teachers.
This book is a bible for new teachers.
this figurative sense is countable and needs an article.
That leaflet is the bible of cooking.
That cookbook is a bible for cooking.
this word usually suggests a full, trusted source, not a very short piece of information.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Bible' usually names the sacred book of Christianity, and in some contexts the sacred writings of Judaism. 'Scripture' is broader and more formal: it means holy writing and is often used in religious study or worship. 'Holy book' is a general everyday phrase for a religion's sacred book, so it can refer to many religions. 'Sacred text' sounds more academic and is common in history or literature classes. 'Gospel' is narrower: it refers to one of the four books about the life of Jesus, not the whole Bible. Compare: 'Grandpa reads the Bible every morning' names the whole book, while 'The priest explained a passage of scripture' sounds more formal and general.

Bible ↗scripture ↗holy booksacred textgospel ↗

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

The word came into English through French and Latin from a Greek word meaning 'books'. That history reflects the fact that the Bible is made up of many separate writings collected together into one sacred work.