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

Her book, for instance, documents many famous men who were cat lovers, including authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and Ernest Hemingway. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Acting as a wholesaler to local restaurant clients, and also serving individual lobster lovers, this place has ensconced itself firmly within Boston's heart. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Vincent Macaigne and Laetitia Casta play fictional versions of themselves as former lovers whose relationship ended on a sour note. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026

The second names are Latin takes on Taylor, lover, fearless and poets, respectively. — Bryan West, USA Today, 9 Sep. 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