lover

noun

lov·​er ˈlə-vər How to pronounce lover (audio)
1
a
: a person in love
b
lovers plural : two persons in love with each other
2
: an affectionate or benevolent friend
3
: devotee
a lover of mystery novels
a lover of nature
4
a
: paramour
Her husband found a love letter from her lover.
b
: a person with whom one has sexual relations
He was her first lover.

Example Sentences

His wife accused him of having a secret lover. She left her husband and ran away with her lover.
Recent Examples on the Web For poetry lovers, Rolland Square is an essential stop. Gabi De La Rosa, Chron, 17 May 2023 On the Rocks is owned by Howard Ostrofsky, who, after retiring in 2008, wanted to establish a global destination for whiskey lovers, not just a local watering hole. Eric Kim, New York Times, 17 May 2023 Lyrically, the song’s subject is mired in self-recrimination and despair, pleading with a lover to leave in order to find their own freedom, engendering a sense of angst and selflessness. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 15 May 2023 To celebrate Preakness week, the McCormick & Co. iconic seasoning is offering Old Bay lovers a chance to spice things up with a free tattoo showing your devotion to the brand. Michelle Deal-zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 15 May 2023 Well, never fear, bird lovers, there is no cause for concern. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2023 Go out for free: The Music Center has a free one-day festival Saturday dedicated to music lovers and vinyl collectors alike. Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2023 The movie explored the possibility that Anne and Churchill were also lovers. Stephanie Kaloi, Peoplemag, 5 May 2023 For vintage lovers, the Oneida Wordsworth Flatware will add a bit of floral romance to your table setting. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lover.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of lover was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near lover

Cite this Entry

“Lover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lover. Accessed 5 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

lover

noun
lov·​er ˈləv-ər How to pronounce lover (audio)
1
a
: a person in love
b
plural : two persons in love with each other
2
: devotee
a lover of music
3
a
b
: a person with whom one has sexual relations

Biographical Definition

Lover

biographical name

Lov·​er ˈlə-vər How to pronounce Lover (audio)
Samuel 1797–1868 Irish novelist

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