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.
Every dog lover's greatest fear is inevitably losing their pet to time. — Rebecca Ramirez, NPR, 7 July 2026 As lovers of the first film know, Paul is blessed with visions of the future, but his mind has grown clouded since assuming control of the galaxy. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 July 2026 The lovers met at Princeton in 1995 while pursuing careers in their respective fields. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026 The move is contentious, with environmentalists supporting the removal, while tribes and horse lovers are heartbroken. — Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 9 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lover. Accessed 10 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on lover

Nglish: Translation of lover for Spanish Speakers

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