lover

noun

lov·​er ˈlə-vər 

1

a

: a person in love

b

lovers plural : two persons in love with each other

2

: an affectionate or benevolent friend

3

: devotee

a lover of mystery novels

a lover of nature

4

a

: paramour

Her husband found a love letter from her lover.

b

: a person with whom one has sexual relations

He was her first lover.

Synonyms

• fan
• sucker
• enthusiast
• fanatic

Examples of lover in a Sentence

His wife accused him of having a secret lover.

She left her husband and ran away with her lover.

Recent Examples on the Web

Oscar winner Kim Basinger also steps in as Elena Lincoln, Christian's former lover and business partner. —Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025

So there’s no question that the Carolina Reaper pepper can challenge even the most committed spicy food lovers. —Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025

His comment underscored the wide variety of timepieces, and timepiece lovers, at Rolliefest. —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025

Vinoklet Winery is hosting a fall festival, perfect for wine and art lovers alike. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing lover

• lover boy
• secret lover
• true lover's knot

Rhymes for lover

• cover
• hover
• plover
• discover
• hardcover
• recover
• thereover
• uncover
• rediscover
• undercover

Kids Definition

lover

noun

lov·​er ˈləv-ər 

1

a

: a person in love

b

plural : two persons in love with each other

2

: devotee

a lover of music

3

a

: paramour

b

: a person with whom one has sexual relations

Biographical Definition

Lover

biographical name

Lov·​er ˈlə-vər 

Samuel 1797–1868 Irish novelist