bookworm

[ book-wurm ]

noun

1. a person devoted to reading or studying.
2. any of various insects that feed on books, especially a booklouse.

bookworm

/ ˈbʊkˌwɜːm /

noun

1. a person excessively devoted to studying or reading
2. any of various small insects that feed on the binding paste of books, esp the book louse

Word History and Origins

Origin of bookworm¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; book + worm

Example Sentences

While she should read well and wisely, the girl should not turn into a bookworm.

From Project Gutenberg

She was a good deal of a bookworm, and did a great deal of beautiful embroidery, and never said much.

From Project Gutenberg

A dull bookworm like me,—cochlea vitam agens, Mr. Squills,—leading the life of a snail!

From Project Gutenberg

To tell the truth, a bookworm such as he is is one of the most irritating persons in existence.

From Project Gutenberg

It is no chimera of the recluse or the bookworm, but a potent reality.

From Project Gutenberg