lover

noun

lov·​er ˈlə-vər 

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.

Synonyms

• addict
• aficionado
• afficionado
• buff
• bug
• devotee
• enthusiast
• fan
• fanatic
• fancier
• fiend
• fool
• freak
• habitué
• habitue
• head
• hound
• junkie
• junky
• maniac
• maven
• mavin
• nut
• sucker

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

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, 8 Sep. 2024

Yes Shape: Various A longtime lover of all things makeup, skincare, and haircare, Holly Carter has become a beauty authority. —Holly Carter, Glamour, 6 Sep. 2024

In the season premiere, Captain Charles Wallace (Wendell Pierce) and officer Kaya Blank (Carra Patterson) will need Elsbeth’s help on a case involving a disgruntled opera lover (guest star Nathan Lane). —Ew Staff, EW.com, 6 Sep. 2024

The hotel's bar, the ideal spot for lovers of classic cocktails like the Martini, will retain its original counter and meticulously restored wall paneling. —Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing lover

• lover boy
• secret lover
• true lover's knot

Kids Definition

lover

noun

lov·​er ˈləv-ər 

1

a

: a person in love

b

plural : two persons in love with each other

2

: devotee

a lover of music

3

a

: paramour

b

: a person with whom one has sexual relations

Biographical Definition

Lover

biographical name

Lov·​er ˈlə-vər 

Samuel 1797–1868 Irish novelist