bookworm

noun

ˈbu̇k-ˌwərm How to pronounce bookworm (audio)
Definition of bookwormnext
as in nerd
a person slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits a bookworm who prefers reading to just about any other activity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of bookworm Dua Lipa and Callum Turner are writing a new chapter in their romance, tying the knot two years after a meeting that would make most bookworms swoon. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026 Alastair Stout plays Harry’s best friend Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton portrays bookworm Hermione Granger. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 May 2026 Kyra Belle Johnson stars as Belle, the bookworm who doesn't quite fit into her quiet village. — Courtney Cole, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026 Reading is often a cherished solo activity but attending a literary festival can be a great way to connect with other bookworms, meet your favourite authors and discover new books. — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bookworm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bookworm
  1. nerd
  2. geek
Noun
  • Schedule nerds may be interested that American offered 28 and 27 flights ​to Kansas ​City on July ​9 and 10, with 373 and 372 flights ​to ​its Miami hub on the same two days.
    — Ted Reed, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • The supermodel was one of the most surprising people to make the guest list, causing pandemonium amongst Swifties and pop culture nerds alike when she was photographed heading to the wedding in a gorgeous gold silk gown (what a gold rush).
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026
Definition of nerd
Noun
  • The weekend-afternoon sales events became a phenomenon, drawing crowds to marvel at his wide-ranging tastes — not just hardcore music geeks or bibliophiles, but appreciators of New York cultural lore.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2026
  • By now, however, most know him as the lovable, cello-playing geek Leonard Hofstadter who married the pretty blonde waitress.
    — Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026
Definition of geek

Browse Nearby Words

booksellers
bookworm
bookworms
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Cite this Entry

“Bookworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bookworm. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bookworm

Nglish: Translation of bookworm for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bookworm

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