Meaning & use
a logbook
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Meanings
nouncountable
an official book or computer file in which you regularly record details of journeys, events, or work done
Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a logbook' or 'the logbooks'.
Patterns
- keep a logbook
- write in a logbook
- a logbook of something
Every pilot must keep a logbook of their flying hours.
The driver recorded each delivery in the company logbook.
nouncountableBritish
a document that officially records the history and ownership of a vehicle or ship
Grammar: Countable; often used in the phrase 'the car's logbook'.
Patterns
- the logbook of a car
- check the logbook
Before buying the car, check the logbook to confirm the owner.
The ship's logbook showed all the ports it had visited.
Word forms
| plural | logbooks |
|---|
Common combinations
- keep a logbook
- Sailors must keep a logbook during long voyages.
- car logbook
- The car logbook lists all previous owners.
- pilot's logbook
- He showed his pilot's logbook to prove his experience.
- logbook entry
- Each logbook entry must be signed by the supervisor.
Synonyms and how they differ
- record book
- A more general term; 'logbook' suggests regular, chronological entries.
- register
- A register is an official list, often of names; a logbook records events over time.
Word family
- log verb
- To record something officially, as in 'log the details'.
Commonly confused: a logbook or log in?
a logbook vs log in
To 'log in' means to enter a computer system; a 'logbook' is a written record.
Practice
What is a logbook mainly used for?
Choose one answer.
A logbook is for keeping a regular record, such as of a car's trips or a pilot's hours. The other options confuse it with 'lock', 'log' as firewood, or a guest list.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “a logbook”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.