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.
The two became friends, lovers, and neighbors on East 19th Street. — Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026 Frances and Nick become lovers, and Melissa and Bobbi grow close as well. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026 This museum, the former home and studio of Pritzker-Prize-winning architect Luis Barragán, is frequented by architecture and design lovers. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 The film also stars Orlando Bloom as the twins' ex-lover, Gareth Mulroney, and Domhnall Gleeson as Timothy, a social worker who attempts to help the twins adjust to modern life after a brush with infamy. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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