bookcase
A piece of furniture featuring horizontal shelves, primarily used for the organized storage and display of books. It can be a freestanding unit with a back and sides or a structure built directly into a wall.
Examples
3 of 5She spent the whole afternoon arranging her novels by genre in the new bookcase.
She spent the whole afternoon arranging her novels by genre in the new bookcase.
The law firm's lobby is anchored by a massive mahogany bookcase filled with leather-bound legal codes.
The law firm's lobby is anchored by a massive mahogany bookcase filled with leather-bound legal codes.
My bookcase is so stuffed that I've started stacking books on the floor.
My bookcase is so stuffed that I've started stacking books on the floor.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Visualize a 'case' (a protective box or frame) designed specifically to hold your 'books'.
Quick Quiz
The carpenter is coming tomorrow to install a ______ bookcase against the far wall of the study.
Correct!
The correct answer is: built-in
Examples
She spent the whole afternoon arranging her novels by genre in the new bookcase.
everydayShe spent the whole afternoon arranging her novels by genre in the new bookcase.
The law firm's lobby is anchored by a massive mahogany bookcase filled with leather-bound legal codes.
formalThe law firm's lobby is anchored by a massive mahogany bookcase filled with leather-bound legal codes.
My bookcase is so stuffed that I've started stacking books on the floor.
informalMy bookcase is so stuffed that I've started stacking books on the floor.
The archival bookcase in the university library contains rare manuscripts that require delicate handling.
academicThe archival bookcase in the university library contains rare manuscripts that require delicate handling.
We need to order a modular bookcase for the executive suite to house the company's annual reports.
businessWe need to order a modular bookcase for the executive suite to house the company's annual reports.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
fill a bookcase
fill a bookcase
overflowing bookcase
overflowing bookcase
antique bookcase
antique bookcase
Often Confused With
A bookshelf is usually a single shelf, whereas a bookcase is an entire piece of furniture often with multiple shelves and sides.
A cupboard is generally used for dishes or general storage and often has solid doors, while a bookcase is specifically for books.
Usage Notes
While 'bookshelf' and 'bookcase' are often used interchangeably, a 'bookcase' typically implies a more substantial, enclosed piece of furniture.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use the term 'book closet,' which is incorrect; 'bookcase' or 'bookshelf' are the standard terms.
Memory Tip
Visualize a 'case' (a protective box or frame) designed specifically to hold your 'books'.
Word Origin
A compound noun formed from the Old English 'bōc' (book) and the Latin-derived 'capsa' (box or case).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western societies, a large, well-stocked bookcase is traditionally viewed as a symbol of education, personal interests, and intellectual curiosity.
Quick Quiz
The carpenter is coming tomorrow to install a ______ bookcase against the far wall of the study.
Correct!
The correct answer is: built-in
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