bookworm

noun

book·​worm ˈbu̇k-ˌwərm 

: a person unusually devoted to reading and study

Synonyms

• dink [slang]
• dork [slang]
• geek
• grind
• nerd
• swot [British]
• weenie
• wonk

Examples of bookworm in a Sentence

She was always a bookworm when she was a kid.

a bookworm who prefers reading to just about any other activity

Recent Examples on the Web

What our gifter says: The cup has a discreet QR code that reveals a new literary quote every day—such a unique gift for a bookworm. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2024

Snap up early holiday favorites like Fire Tablets for kids and adults and a Kindle Paperwhite that any bookworm will adore. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024

Calling all bookworms — Good Morning America is launching a new young adult book club! —Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2024

Beyond the obvious lures—author readings, panel discussions, and mountains of fresh hardcovers to explore—a collective glee seems to overtake the bookworms who’ve gathered en masse. —Abbie Kozolchyk, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

bookworm

noun

book·​worm -ˌwərm 

1

: any of various insect larvae that feed on the binding and paste of books

2

: a person devoted to reading or study