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
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.
Not having sub-zero weather and a few feet of snow on the ground also improves access for a set of potential film lovers, especially those with physical or other disabilities. David Bloom, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025 The video has since received 32,000 upvotes and more than 580 comments, with Redditors joking about the inevitable fate of plant lovers. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025 This vibrant destination, filled with dramatic cliffs and sweeping views of the Walnut Street Bridge, will tug on the heart strings of both nature lovers and the city enthusiasts. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2025 The shows draw gem lovers of all kinds, from consumers shopping for crystals to high-end designers like Lauren Harwell Godfrey and James de Givenchy of Taffin, who use the occasion to hunt for the components of their upcoming high jewelry collections. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Lover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lover. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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

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