hit the books

phrase

: to study especially with intensity

Examples of hit the books in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Andaz 5th Avenue Andaz 5th Avenue Fall marks the start of back-to-school season, and Four-Star Andaz 5th Avenue is also hitting the books. — Spencer Whaley, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 As Ashley’s case grew colder, Haley was hard at work hitting the books. — Dateline Nbc, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026 Stars who chose to hit the books after achieving fame and fortune in their respective industries include Natalie Portman, Yara Shahidi, Brooke Shields and Julia Stiles, who all attended Ivy League universities after making waves in Hollywood. — Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026 From new state laws hitting the books to a state worker's returning to office, Sacramento saw a busy news day Wednesday. — Ruyuan Li. Summary Produced By Ai Assistance, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hit the books

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hit the books was in 1920

Rhymes for hit the books

See All Rhymes for hit the books

Browse Nearby Words

hit the big four-oh
hit the books
hit the buffers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hit the books.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hit%20the%20books. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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