noun
bookworm
BUUK-wurm
Bookworm (noun) means a person who loves reading and reads often. Example: “As a child she was a total bookworm, always curled up with a novel.”
noun
1
A person who loves reading and reads often.
"As a child she was a total bookworm, always curled up with a novel."
2
Any of several small insects that damage books by feeding on paper or bindings.
"The old library had a bookworm problem in its rare manuscripts."
How to use bookworm
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who reads constantly and loves books — the original insect sense is much less common today.
When to use it
Usually affectionate rather than critical when applied to a person.
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Word forms
- Plural
- bookworms
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
As a child she was a total _____, always curled up with a novel.
Etymology
A literal compound of "book" and "worm," first describing the insect pest before being applied affectionately to avid readers.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “bookworm” mean?
The word “bookworm” means a person who loves reading and reads often. In plain terms, someone who reads constantly and loves books — the original insect sense is much less common today.
How do you pronounce “bookworm”?
“Bookworm” is pronounced BUUK-wurm (/ˈbʊk.wɜːm/ in IPA).
How do you use “bookworm” in a sentence?
Here is “bookworm” used in a sentence: “As a child she was a total bookworm, always curled up with a novel.”
What part of speech is “bookworm”?
“Bookworm” is a noun.
How many meanings does “bookworm” have?
“Bookworm” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who loves reading and reads often.
