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
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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.
What started as a hobby for two sisters, who were born and raised on Milwaukee's south side, has transformed into two organizations that bring books by Latino authors to new readers and bookworms alike. — Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 31 July 2026 Tobie Donovan plays the bookworm Isaac Henderson in Heartstopper, who opens up to his friends in season 3 about being asexual and aromantic. — Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026 The variety of fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, and best-sellers available could sustain even the most diehard bookworms for a lifetime. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 The hottest new social activity is not talking Silent reading clubs are giving like-minded bookworms a brain boost. — Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 8 June 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 4 Sep. 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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