book ‧ ing /ˈbʊkɪŋ/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
1 . an arrangement to travel by train, use a hotel room etc at a particular time in the future ⇨ reservation :
bookings on cruise ships
I made a booking for two double rooms.
I’m calling to confirm my booking (=say definitely that I want to travel etc) .
If you cancel your booking, there will be a small charge.
Places on the course are limited and advance booking is essential.
block booking (=a booking for a large number of dates, seats, rooms etc)
2 . an arrangement made by a performer to perform at a particular time in the future
3 . British English the act of writing a football player’s name in a book as a punishment for breaking the rules
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ make a booking
Your travel agent will make your booking for you.
▪ confirm a booking
Please confirm your booking 48 hours before your flight.
▪ cancel a booking
If you wish to cancel your booking, you must do it in writing.
▪ accept a booking
Bookings can only be accepted on receipt of a deposit.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + booking
▪ advance booking
The cinema charges 50p a ticket for advance booking.
▪ early booking
Early booking is recommended because places are limited.
▪ late booking
There are cash penalties for late booking.
▪ a holiday booking
I had an email confirming our holiday booking.
▪ a group booking/block booking (=a booking for a large number of seats, rooms etc)
There's a 20% discount for group bookings.
■ booking + NOUN
▪ a booking form
You can complete the booking form online.
▪ a booking fee
Ticket agencies may charge a booking fee.
▪ booking conditions
In the event of a cancellation, a refund will be offered according to the terms of our booking conditions.
▪ a booking hall/office British English (=a place for buying tickets, especially in a station)
There were long queues in the booking hall.