Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Bookworm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📚
Add to dictionary

bookworm

[ˈbʊkwərm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

loves reading

A person who enjoys reading and spends a lot of time doing so. Bookworms are often knowledgeable and have a passion for literature.

Synonyms

bibliophile, book lover, reader.

Examples of usage

  • She's such a bookworm that she finishes a novel in a day.
  • Being a bookworm, he always has a book with him wherever he goes.
Context #2 | Noun

insult

A term used to mock someone who reads a lot and is seen as socially awkward or uncool.

Synonyms

dork, geek, nerd.

Examples of usage

  • Don't be such a bookworm, go out and socialize for once.
  • He's always buried in books, what a bookworm.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many famous authors, including J.K. Rowling and Stephen King, identified as bookworms in their youth.
  • In literature, bookworms have been depicted as characters who possess vast knowledge and are often portrayed as wise or quirky.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that people who read regularly may enhance their language skills and empathy, qualities often attributed to bookworms.
  • Engaging with a diverse range of genres can expand one's thinking and ability to relate to others, reinforcing the notion of the bookworm's depth.

Pop Culture

  • Bookworms are commonly featured in movies and TV shows, often portrayed as introverts or highly intelligent characters.
  • The image of a bookworm has influenced merchandise, from T-shirts to bookmarks, celebrating the love for reading.

Education

  • Fostering a love for books in children can lay the foundation for lifelong learning, embodying the essence of being a bookworm.
  • Various educational programs encourage reading for pleasure, helping to cultivate a new generation of bookworms.

Origin of 'bookworm'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'bookworm' originated in the late 19th century, referring to actual worms that eat the pages of books.
  • Originally, 'worm' in Old English referred to 'serpent' or 'dragon', hinting at the idea of a creature that devours something valuable.

The term 'bookworm' originated in the 16th century, combining 'book' and 'worm' to refer to insects that would bore through books. Over time, it evolved to describe people who love reading.

See also: book, bookcase, booked, bookie, booking, bookish, bookkeeper, bookkeeping, booklet, bookmaker, bookrack, bookrest, books, bookshelf, bookshop, bookstand, bookstore, ultrabook.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,369, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.