lover

word · lemma: love

/ˈɫəvɝ/
LUH-vur
/lˈʌvɐ/
LUH-vuh

Definition

A lover is someone who loves another person in a romantic or sexual way. It can also mean someone who strongly enjoys a particular thing, such as music, books, or nature.

Usage & Nuances

In romantic contexts, 'lover' can sound passionate, literary, or slightly old-fashioned, and sometimes it suggests a sexual relationship outside marriage. In neutral everyday English, 'boyfriend', 'girlfriend', or 'partner' are often more common. In patterns like 'a music lover' or 'a dog lover', it simply means an enthusiast.

Example Sentences

They were secret lovers for years.

natural

She is a cat lover.

basic

He wrote a letter to his lover.

basic

My father is a jazz lover.

basic

As a book lover, I could spend all day in that store.

natural

He's more of a beach lover than a mountain person.

natural