bookworm

noun

book·​worm ˈbu̇k-ˌwərm How to pronounce bookworm (audio)
: a person unusually devoted to reading and study

Examples of bookworm in a Sentence

She was always a bookworm when she was a kid. a bookworm who prefers reading to just about any other activity
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.
Rachel Weisz played bookworm turned mummy slayer Evelyn Carnahan. Andrew Walsh, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2025 Alastair Stout will play Harry’s best friend Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton will round out the trio of heroes as bookworm Hermione Granger. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025 Goodreads and Letterboxd for bookworms and movie buffs. Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2025 Grab a warm mug of tea, bookworms – fall reading is officially here. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bookworm

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bookworm was in 1580

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bookworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bookworm. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

bookworm

noun
book·​worm -ˌwərm How to pronounce bookworm (audio)
1
: any of various insect larvae that feed on the binding and paste of books
2
: a person devoted to reading or study

More from Merriam-Webster on bookworm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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