bookworm

noun

book·​worm ˈbu̇k-ˌwərm 

: a person unusually devoted to reading and study

Synonyms of bookworm

• nerd
• geek

Examples of bookworm in a Sentence

She was always a bookworm when she was a kid.

a bookworm who prefers reading to just about any other activity

Recent Examples on the Web

Tobie Donovan plays the bookworm Isaac Henderson in Heartstopper, who opens up to his friends in season 3 about being asexual and aromantic. — Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

The variety of fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, and best-sellers available could sustain even the most diehard bookworms for a lifetime. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 June 2026

The hottest new social activity is not talking Silent reading clubs are giving like-minded bookworms a brain boost. — Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 8 June 2026

From Joan Didion to Ray Bradbury, many famous writers are linked with the City of Angels—and that means plenty of literary spots for bookworms. — Krista Simmons, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bookworm

• affirm
• budworm
• confirm
• cutworm
• earthworm
• infirm
• midterm
• ringworm
• tapeworm
• wireworm
• angiosperm
• echinoderm

Kids Definition

bookworm

noun

book·​worm -ˌwərm 

1

: any of various insect larvae that feed on the binding and paste of books

2

: a person devoted to reading or study