bookworm

noun

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

Synonyms of bookworm

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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.
For the bookworm who prefers turning pages to swiping screens, this wooden reading valet makes her reading ritual even better. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2026 While many users don’t need anything to bridge the gap between their phone and computer, others find that a tablet can supercharge their workday, commute, or entertainment—especially for creatives and bookworms. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026 This year, there’s something for nearly every interest, from cheese lovers and bookworms to crafty adults and puzzle enthusiasts. — Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026 Alastair Stout will play Harry’s best friend Ronald Weasley, and Arabella Stanton will round out the classic trio of heroes as bookworm Hermione Granger, who matches the courage of the previous two Gryffindors. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for bookworm

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Browse Nearby Words

bookwork
bookworm
book wrapper
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Cite this Entry

“Bookworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bookworm. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bookworm

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