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

bibliophilism

2 of 2

noun (2)

bib·​li·​oph·​i·​lism ˌbi-blē-ˈä-fə-ˌli-zəm 

plural -s

: love of books

a center of good music, serious art, bibliophilism, the ballet

—William Manchester

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

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1820, in the meaning defined above