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

Guangchen Chen, an assistant professor of Chinese literature and culture at Emory University in Atlanta, said more bibliophiles and private collectors in China can now afford items that official institutions won’t touch. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 15 July 2026

The weekend-afternoon sales events became a phenomenon, drawing crowds to marvel at his wide-ranging tastes — not just hardcore music geeks or bibliophiles, but appreciators of New York cultural lore. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2026

The complex caters to kiddos with crafts and dress-up clothes, while bibliophiles peruse Wilder's belongings and television show memorabilia. — Alicia Underlee Nelson, Midwest Living, 22 June 2026

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