playbook
PLAY-buk
/ˈpleɪ.bʊk/
A book containing a team's strategies and plays; a set of established methods or tactics used by an organization.
While it literally refers to a book, it is often used metaphorically to mean a person's entire 'repertoire' of tricks.
The story behind the word. A purely American invention from the world of football in the late 1800s. It literally refers to the book where 'plays' (strategic movements) were drawn out, serving as the secret manual for a team’s success.
Word relationships
- manual: A manual tells you how to use something; a playbook tells you how to win with it.
Commonly confused with
- rulebook: A rulebook tells you what you must do; a playbook tells you what you should do to win.
Collocations
- corporate playbook
- political playbook
- run the playbook
Idioms & expressions
- take a page from someone's playbook
Example sentences
- "The rookie struggled to memorize the massive playbook before the first game of the season." American Football
- "The company's marketing playbook included a detailed plan for social media engagement." Business metaphor
Memory hook
It's a 'Book' of 'Plays'—simple as that! The secret manual for winning.
When not to use
Don't use it for a novel or a book of rules; it is specifically about strategies.
Fun facts
- Modern NFL playbooks are often delivered on encrypted tablets to prevent other teams from scouting them.
Related words
Explore more words
strategize, repository, formation, tactic, playmaker, blueprint
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