lover

noun

lov·​er ˈlə-vər How to pronounce lover (audio)
Synonyms of lovernext
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 of lover

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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.
But what really sets the brewery apart is its spirit of community, which draws people of all ages, including non-beer lovers, through weekly and seasonal events, like Star Wars Weekend and Creek-i-Tiki Luau. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Plenty of families make a beeline for the zoo, while more solemn art lovers might prefer the serene Japanese Friendship Garden. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026 That connection to the water has made this tiny community a destination for seafood lovers who want to skip the crowds in favor of an authentic taste of the Texas coast. — Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 29 July 2026 The Bruin Theater in Los Angeles’ Westwood Village is set to reopen in October, with the announcement capping a big month for the city’s movie lovers. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 29 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing lover

Rhymes for lover

See All Rhymes for lover

Browse Nearby Words

love-powder
lover
Lover
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Cite this Entry

“Lover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lover. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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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
: paramour
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

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Nglish: Translation of lover for Spanish Speakers

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