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
In fact, if the ongoing reign of multiplayer shooter Marvel Rivals is any indication, the comic book character wrapping might just be the incentive needed to get otherwise bookish gamers fully committed to the bloodsport.
—
Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for bookish
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Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for bookish
Cite this Entry
“Bookish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bookish. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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