lover

noun

lov·​er ˈlə-vər How to pronounce lover (audio)
Synonyms of lovernext
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
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.
The worn penny tile floor and brick wall collection of show posters—Soundgarden, Butthole Surfers, Sonic Youth, Alice in Chains—are hallowed ground on any grunge lover's pilgrimage to the state. Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026 Roanoke River Greenway The Virginia Blue Ridge region (which includes Roanoke and surrounding communities within an hour's radius) has hundreds of miles of trails that nature lovers can tackle on foot or by bike. Julekha Dash, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026 For nature lovers, surfers, divers and fishermen, the setting offers both seclusion and connection. Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 Police believe Algeri may be with the children and her alleged lover in the Richardson, Texas, area. Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lover

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lover. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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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