Definition
A written or printed work with pages bound together; a book.
Example
Ella lee un libro cada semana sin falta.
Show translation
She reads a book every week without fail.
Etymology
From Latin *liber*, meaning "the inner bark of a tree," on which ancient Romans wrote before papyrus became common. The root also survives in *library* (English), *librería* (bookshop), and *libretto* (the "little book" of an opera).
Cultural note
Spain and Latin America celebrate **El Día del Libro** (World Book Day) on April 23rd — the date of Cervantes's death in 1616. In Catalonia, the tradition of gifting a book (and a rose) on this day, called *Sant Jordi*, predates the international holiday and is one of the most beloved cultural events of the year.