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.

Examples of lover in a Sentence

His wife accused him of having a secret lover. She left her husband and ran away with her lover.
Recent Examples on the Web People close to the label say the venture began because Vaccarello, a film lover, pressed for the new creative outlet. Christina Binkley, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2024 My latest book Synchronicity includes recent residential and commercial projects, a perfect fit for the design lovers. Kelly Wearstler, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2024 Tom Holland and Zendaya's Sweetest Photos Through the Years Tom Holland and Zendaya’s romance and intimacy compatibility The Spider-Man costars share one of the most cosmic alignments in romantic compatibility, including Mars and Venus, often referred to as the lovers of the cosmos. Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024 Press-on nails are also becoming more prevalent—great news for lazy nail-art lovers or last-minute manicures that can be done en route to your destination. Sophia Panych, Allure, 25 Apr. 2024 The term derives from Sappho, a lyrical poet who lived in ancient Greece and created verses about pursuing women lovers that were rich in sensuality and nostalgia — and even libertine at times. Alex Berg, NBC News, 25 Apr. 2024 Together, the young lovers face adversity with dignity and the support of a loyal group of friends. Jamie Lang, Variety, 23 Apr. 2024 The refreshingly adult drama peers in on the games that limber, calculating athletes play both on and off tennis courts — a metaphor, naturally, that applies to the power dynamics adventurous lovers often negotiate. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2024 Hot and cold coffee lovers will appreciate the versatility of the Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 Automatic Pour-Over Coffee Maker. Michelle Rostamian, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Apr. 2024

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 2 May. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on lover

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