1 B1 neutral
To register upon arrival at a hotel or similar establishment.
"We arrived late, but the front desk staff were very helpful when we booked in."
inseparable
book in
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To register on arrival at a hotel, or to arrange a reservation for someone in advance.
In plain English
To arrive at a hotel and tell them you are there, or to make a reservation for someone.
What does "book in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To make a reservation for someone at a hotel, clinic, or other service.
"My assistant booked me in at the Grand Hotel for three nights."
separable
3 B1 neutral
To schedule an appointment for someone, especially in a medical or professional context.
"The receptionist booked me in for a check-up next Thursday."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To put your name in a book (register) — historically guests signed a paper book at reception.
Actually means
To arrive at a hotel and tell them you are there, or to make a reservation for someone.
Usage tip
Primarily British English. Can be used intransitively (to book in = to check in on arrival) or transitively (to book someone in = to arrange their reservation). Also used in professional contexts for scheduling appointments.
Words that pair with "book in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
hotel guest appointment clinic conference room
How to conjugate "book in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
book in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
books in
he/she/it
Past simple
booked in
yesterday
Past participle
booked in
have + pp
-ing form
booking in
continuous
Hear "book in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "book in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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