lover

¹

[luhv-er]

noun

1. a person who is in love with another.

2. a person who has a sexual or romantic relationship with another.

3. a person with whom one conducts an extramarital sexual affair.

4. a person who has a strong enjoyment or liking for something, as specified.

   a lover of music.

   Synonyms: fan, enthusiast, devotee

5. a person who loves, especially a person who has or shows a warm and general affectionate regard for others.

   a lover of humankind.

Lover

²

[luhv-er]

noun

1. Samuel, 1797–1868, Irish novelist, painter, and songwriter.

lover

/ ˈlʌvə /

noun

1. a person, now esp a man, who has an extramarital or premarital sexual relationship with another person

2. (often plural) either of the two people involved in a love affair

3. 1. someone who loves a specified person or thing

      a lover of music

   2. ( in combination )

      a music-lover

      a cat-lover

Other Word Forms

• loverless adjective
• loverlike adjective
• nonlover noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lover¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English; love + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The duchess was a great music lover - supporting music charities and teaching music in a Hull primary school, where pupils knew nothing of her royal identity, and where she was known as "Mrs Kent".

From BBC

Galeotti soon abandoned his own career and started to work at his lover's side.

From BBC

It came with silky, creamy hummus, incredible toum — a garlic lover’s dream — and Yemeni flatbread, making for an unforgettable combination of flavors.

From Salon

Animal lovers say they face hostility and sometimes even violence for taking care of strays, while people who believe dogs should be off the streets argue they can be aggressive and dangerous.

From BBC

On this record, “Red Eye Flight” could be a goodbye to a lover, or it could be a Dear John letter to addiction.

From Salon

Related Words

• admirer 
• boyfriend 
• companion 
• girlfriend 
• suitor 
• sweetheart