'guidebook' originates from the combination of 'guide' and 'book', where 'guide' meant 'to lead or direct' and 'book' referred to a written or printed work.

'guide' and 'book' were combined in the English language to form 'guidebook', which has been used since the 19th century.

Initially, it meant 'a book that guides', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.