From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishbookingbook‧ing /ˈbʊkɪŋ/ ●○○ noun [countable] 1 DLan 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 APan arrangement made by a performer to perform at a particular time in the future3 DSF British English the act of writing a football player’s name in a book as a punishment for breaking the rulesCOLLOCATIONSverbsmake a bookingYour travel agent will make your booking for you.confirm a bookingPlease confirm your booking 48 hours before your flight.cancel a bookingIf you wish to cancel your booking, you must do it in writing.accept a bookingBookings can only be accepted on receipt of a deposit.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + booking advance bookingThe cinema charges 50p a ticket for advance booking.early bookingEarly booking is recommended because places are limited.late bookingThere are cash penalties for late booking.a holiday bookingI 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 + NOUNa booking formYou can complete the booking form online.a booking feeTicket agencies may charge a booking fee.booking conditionsIn 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.
Examples from the Corpus
booking• If you have to cancel a booking, please let us know as soon as possible.• Advance bookings for the show currently total more than £100,000.• Please send the attached booking form to the above address with a stamped, addressed envelope.• Cheaper prices are available on early bookings.• Early booking is recommended as numbers are limited on many of the tours.• Nigel Cope Monthly summer holiday bookings compared with bookings for same month last year.• I'd like to cancel my booking, please.• But the number of emigrants forced the introduction of booking systems, although a booked passage did not guarantee comfort.• Only one total bill will be prepared for any party booking.• You can make a provisional booking over the phone.• If the guest took up the booking, the deposit was part payment of the full price.• The booking sheets showed clearly the public felt there was no difference.block booking• Dress is formal and block bookings are available.From Longman Business Dictionarybookingbook‧ing /ˈbʊkɪŋ/ noun [countable]TRAVEL an arrangement in which a place on a plane, in a hotel, restaurant etc is kept for a customer who will arrive laterSYNRESERVATIONThere’s a problem over a double booking (=one where two people have been given the same booking) and you’re being offered a different room. → block booking 