bibliophile

1 of 2

noun (1)

bib·​lio·​phile ˈbi-blē-ə-ˌfī(-ə)l 

: a lover of books especially for qualities of format

also : a book collector

bibliophilic

ˌbi-blē-ə-ˈfi-lik 

adjective

bibliophilism

ˌbi-blē-ˈä-fə-ˌli-zəm 

noun

bibliophily

ˌbi-blē-ˈä-fə-lē 

noun

bibliophily

2 of 2

noun (2)

bib·​li·​oph·​i·​ly ˌbi-blē-ˈä-fə-lē 

plural -es

: the love of books characteristic of the bibliophile

Synonyms of bibliophile

Noun (1)

• bookseller
• bibliomaniac
• antiquarian
• bookman

Examples of bibliophile in a Sentence

Noun (1)

for bibliophiles, no electronic device could possibly give the tactile pleasure of a beautifully bound book

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

So, where are bibliophiles headed in 2026? —Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026

In the sumptuousness of the bibliophile’s parlor, studying Black history occasioned reverent, joyous gatherings. —Laura E. Helton, Literary Hub, 20 Apr. 2026

For bibliophiles, reading is an immersive experience, so gifts that help set the stage for peaceful reading sessions, like candles or a bottle of wine, are a great idea. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026

Cincinnati is great for bibliophiles, as the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library has 41 locations, and more than 395,000 residents have library cards. —Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

French, from bibli- + -phile

Noun (2)

French bibliophilie, from bibliophile + -ie -y

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1820, in the meaning defined above