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

Knightley plays Helen, who begins a passionate affair that may endanger her secret identity when her lover becomes victim to London’s underworld. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 2 Dec. 2024

Dido, after her lover Aeneas deserts her, kills herself with his sword on a funeral pyre, but not before building an effigy of him to burn alongside her. —Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024

This elegant dessert has a layer of cake, mousse, and ganache which is sure to delight the most serious chocolate lovers. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2024

Power Grip Stick & Set Duo Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray Snag this on-sale primer and setting spray duo for the beauty lover on your gift list. —Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 2 Dec. 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