bibliophile

American  

[bib-lee-uh-fahyl, -fil] / ˈbɪb li əˌfaɪl, -fɪl /

Also bibliophilist

noun

1. a person who loves or collects books, especially as examples of fine or unusual printing, binding, or the like.

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bibliophile British  

/ ˈbɪblɪəˌfaɪl, ˈbɪblɪəfɪl, ˌbɪblɪˈɒfəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a person who collects or is fond of books

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Other Word Forms

• bibliophilic adjective
• bibliophilism noun
• bibliophilistic adjective
• bibliophily noun

Etymology

Origin of bibliophile

First recorded in 1815–25; biblio- + -phile

Example Sentences

Fortunately for avid bibliophiles, Harper Lee was an inveterate pack rat.

From Los Angeles Times

It is not yet available for Kindle users, but Hunter says that’s the company’s next step – a necessary one given that Amazon’s e-reader is the preferred device of three-quarters of digital bibliophiles.

From Salon

Best known for his diaries, the tailor's son was also a bibliophile who bequeathed his large library to the University of Cambridge's Magdalene College.

From BBC

Schomburg was the most famous of the Black bibliophiles who, starting in the late 19th century, had amassed impressive “parlor libraries” in their homes.

From New York Times

Last night, crowds of art patrons and well-heeled bibliophiles gathered in that grand library to attend the Morgan’s centennial celebration.

From New York Times