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 Rice Krispies Peeps This flavor is new this year and in collaboration with the company known for their own marshmallow treats, these Rice Krispies Treats Peeps are perfect for the marshmallow lover in your life. Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Mar. 2024 The company, based in La Jolla, was founded by Joline Mann, a lover of travel, shopping, entrepreneurship and social impact. Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2024 Fast forward to today, and it’s become the go-to color for beauty lovers and experts alike wanting to make a statement. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2024 There is one scene where Rowland’s Mea is opposite Angela Robinson, who plays a scorned lover of Malloy’s, Renee. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 19 Mar. 2024 The recalled product was sold at Trader Joe’s retail locations across the country, impacting cashew lovers across 16 states. Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024 Scott Talley is a native Detroiter, a proud product of Detroit Public Schools and a lifelong lover of Detroit culture in its diverse forms. Scott Talley, Detroit Free Press, 10 Mar. 2024 D’Agostino, a watch lover, fashioned the dial’s volume indicator to emulate the hands of a Swiss timepiece. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2024 Juliette Binoche and Benoît Magimel play cook and gourmand, lovers who bond over their art. Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 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 29 Mar. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!