playbook
UK[ˈpleɪbʊk]US[ˈpleɪbʊk]
n
a book containing a sports team's strategies and diagrams of plays.
n
a set of established methods or procedures used to achieve a goal.
Morpheme Breakdown
play
book
play
act in a game
book
collection of pages
Etymology
the compound 'playbook' is a modern english formation, combining two ancient germanic roots. the concept of 'play' evolved from old english meanings of movement, recreation, and game-like activity. 'book' derives from the proto-germanic term for beechwood, on which runes were carved, later signifying any bound collection of information. in the 20th century, the term was adopted from the literal book of diagrams used in american football to metaphorically denote any strategic plan or standard operating procedure in business and other fields.
Analysis
Structure: play (act in a game) + book (collection of pages)
'play' is from Old English 'plegian' (to exercise, frolic), functioning as the core activity. 'book' is from Old English 'bōc' (a written document), functioning as the container or record.
Examples
the coach reviewed the playbook with the quarterback before the big game.
our company's crisis management playbook was activated during the system outage.
he doesn't follow the usual political playbook; his campaign strategy is unconventional.