1. a book with blank or lined pages used by students for writing exercises
2. a book containing examples of handwriting for students to imitate

1. perfectly conventional or exemplary
Usage: often used in the phrase ‘copybook maxim’

Examples

• The teacher handed out copybooks for the writing assignment.
• Students practiced their penmanship using the copybook examples.
• She filled her copybook with neat rows of cursive letters.
• The old copybook contained beautiful examples of Victorian handwriting.
• His copybook performance earned him top marks.
• The politician’s copybook response satisfied no one.
• Children once learned proper letter formation from copybooks.