Learn English – the difference between booking and renting something

meaningword-choiceword-difference

When should I use "book"? When should I use "rent"?

For example, which one is correct?

A: How can I help you?
B: I want to book a limo.

A: How can I help you?
B: I want to rent a limo.

For me, "renting" a car or limo is correct but in our lesson book, we used "booking limo".

Best Answer

Dictionary definition of to book:

reserve (accommodation, a place, etc.); buy (a ticket) in advance

Dictionary definition of to rent

pay someone for the use of (something, typically property, land, or a car

The difference is that book is in advance, rent is paying someone at the time. Booking a vehicle is reserving the use of it, and renting is paying for the use of it at the time