love affair

noun

1. a romantic relationship or episode between lovers; an amour.

2. an active enthusiasm for something.

   my love affair with sailing.

love affair

noun

1. a romantic or sexual relationship, esp a temporary one, between two people

2. a great enthusiasm or liking for something

   a love affair with ballet

Word History and Origins

Origin of love affair¹

First recorded in 1585–95

Idioms and Phrases

An intimate sexual relationship, as in They had a torrid love affair many years ago . This expression dates from about 1600, when it referred merely to the experiences connected with being in love. The current sense dates from the second half of the 1800s.

A strong enthusiasm, as in We can't ignore America's love affair with the automobile . [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

The book takes a turn when a nurse’s daughter goes missing, but Straight amps the joy with an unexpected life-affirming love affair.

From Los Angeles Times

But “Essex Honey” nearly never came to be because of the sincere love affair he has with his music and, specifically, the concept of “meaning.”

From Los Angeles Times

Ask a roaming bard about the previous ship’s fate and a host of stories start to unravel and reveal themselves — love affairs, hidden secrets, lost maps and the requisite discontentment among the ship’s keep.

From Los Angeles Times

Baldwin held these romantic relationships in tantalizing suspension, his love affairs caught between the poles of desire and intimacy, the heat of passion and long-term commitment.

From Los Angeles Times

Once mocked, online dating is now a global love affair worth billions, and love at first swipe has become the generational norm.

From BBC

Related Words

• adultery 
• affair 
• courtship 
• dalliance 
• devotion 
• fling 
• flirtation 
• infidelity 
• involvement 
• liaison 
• love 
• passion 
• relationship 
• tryst