bibliophile

1 of 2

noun (1)

bib·​lio·​phile ˈbi-blē-ə-ˌfī(-ə)l How to pronounce bibliophile (audio)
Synonyms of bibliophile
: a lover of books especially for qualities of format
also : a book collector
bibliophilic
ˌbi-blē-ə-ˈfi-lik How to pronounce bibliophile (audio)
adjective
bibliophilism
ˌbi-blē-ˈä-fə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce bibliophile (audio)
noun
bibliophily
ˌbi-blē-ˈä-fə-lē How to pronounce bibliophile (audio)
noun

bibliophily

2 of 2

noun (2)

bib·​li·​oph·​i·​ly ˌbi-blē-ˈä-fə-lē How to pronounce bibliophily (audio)
plural -es
: the love of books characteristic of the bibliophile

Synonyms of bibliophile

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Noun (1)

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Examples of bibliophile in a Sentence

Noun (1) for bibliophiles, no electronic device could possibly give the tactile pleasure of a beautifully bound book
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
So, where are bibliophiles headed in 2026? — Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026 Tucked in the back of the store, a book room is a bibliophile’s haven, where shoppers linger among titles warmed by an oversized hanging lamp and retro furniture. — Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026 For bibliophiles, reading is an immersive experience, so gifts that help set the stage for peaceful reading sessions, like candles or a bottle of wine, are a great idea. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026 The complex caters to kiddos with crafts and dress-up clothes, while bibliophiles peruse Wilder's belongings and television show memorabilia. — Alicia Underlee Nelson, Midwest Living, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bibliophile

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

French, from bibli- + -phile

Noun (2)

French bibliophilie, from bibliophile + -ie -y

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bibliophile was in 1820

Browse Nearby Words

bibliophagy
bibliophile
bibliophilia
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bibliophile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bibliophile. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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