bookish

adjective

book·​ish ˈbu̇-kish How to pronounce bookish (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to books
b
: fond of books and reading
2
a
: inclined to rely on book knowledge
b
of words : literary and formal as opposed to colloquial and informal
c
: given to literary or scholarly pursuits
also : affectedly learned
bookishly adverb
bookishness noun

Examples of bookish in a Sentence

Their teacher was a bookish fellow. “fealty” is a bookish synonym for “loyalty”
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The once bookish nerd is now seemingly confident and has caught the attention of ladies at his school. Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025 Alex is much more bookish, for example, although Cole is clever and can be academic and is in no way some silly, stupid jock or anything— but, in the obvious ways — and Cole is more sporty in the obvious ways. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025 The Distressed Literary Genre Wall Signs signs are the most charming finishing touch for anyone wanting to give their shelves an authentic, bookish vibe. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2025 Over the course of the novel, Agu undergoes a treacherous coming of age, shedding his former identity as a bookish boy and entering into a manhood marked by extraordinary violence, abuse and horror. Katie Kitamura august 21, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bookish

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of bookish was in 1542

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Cite this Entry

“Bookish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bookish. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

bookish

adjective
book·​ish ˈbu̇k-ish How to pronounce bookish (audio)
1
: fond of reading
2
: tending to rely on knowledge from books rather than practical experience
3
: resembling the language of books : formal
bookishly adverb
bookishness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bookish

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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