bookworm

noun

book·​worm ˈbu̇k-ˌwərm How to pronounce bookworm (audio)
: a person unusually devoted to reading and study

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
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.
On the other hand, showing the family bookworm your favorite reading chair provides an escape that’s all theirs away from everyone else. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024 Heading into the new year, this is perfect for the bookworms seeking visual inspiration, the photography and storytelling is just amazing. Kelly Wearstler, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024 So The Best Gifts for Book Lovers Here are plenty of gift ideas for your favorite bookworm, from tech to cozy accessories. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 28 Nov. 2024 Personalized Leather Corner Bookmark Help the bookworm in your life always keep their page with these sleek leather corner bookmarks. Esther Carlstone, SELF, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bookworm 

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bookworm was in 1580

Dictionary Entries Near bookworm

Cite this Entry

“Bookworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bookworm. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

bookworm

noun
book·​worm -ˌwərm How to pronounce bookworm (audio)
1
: any of various insect larvae that feed on the binding and paste of books
2
: a person devoted to reading or study

More from Merriam-Webster on bookworm

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!