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 of lover

• fan
• sucker
• enthusiast
• fanatic
• admirer

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

The name Anthony Bourdain means a great deal to a large sect of food and drink lovers. — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026

In a makeshift audition booth assembled in a far corner on the ground floor of the Los Angeles Convention Center, a steady stream of K-pop lovers took their shot this past weekend. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

The collection also features the ultimate collectible for pickle lovers, the Limited-Edition Briny Blender Makeup Sponge ($6). — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026

Both Chang and Erpenbeck are unflinching in chronicling the specific, mundane precautions necessary to lovers under surveillance. — Anne E. Fernald, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026

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