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.
Kinokuniya is a bookworm’s dream with art tomes, manga, niche magazines, and all sorts of other genres, not to mention an extremely satisfying array of pens, journals, and art supplies for sale. Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 1 May 2025 Cooper’s performance as a sweet, lovable bookworm is among his most endearing turns. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 25 Apr. 2025 This one's for the bookworms, teachers' pets, overachievers, and gal pals everywhere. Ew Staff, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Parque de El Retiro is the city’s breathing room, where mornings belong to joggers and tai chi practitioners; afternoons to bookworms and guitar players. AFAR Media, 11 Apr. 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 19 Jun. 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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