librarian
Americannoun
-
a person trained in library science and engaged in library service.
-
a person in charge of a library, especially the chief administrative officer of a library.
-
a person who is in charge of any specialized body of literature, as a collection of musical scores.
noun
Other Word Forms
- sublibrarian noun
Etymology
Origin of librarian
Explanation
A librarian is someone who works in a library maintaining books and information and lending them to patrons. If you have a research project ahead of you, make friends with the librarian. There are many different types of librarians, from archivists who care for, organize, and lend very old or valuable documents; to school librarians who organize book-related projects and buy books and electronic resources that are appropriate for the students they serve. To become a librarian, you might want to get an advanced degree in library science. The Latin root of librarian is liber, "book." In the 17th century, a librarian was known as a "library-keeper."
Vocabulary lists containing librarian
ESL Library Vocabulary
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -an
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Katz, 51, a librarian in West Hollywood, has two children with her “nesting partner,” and another partner whom she does not live with.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026
In fact, Gowda's collection doesn't have a librarian and books are stacked on shelves and piled on the floor in a haphazard manner.
From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026
After Hammel-Sawyer’s first marriage ended, she worked as an assistant children’s librarian in Santa Barbara and met a reference librarian named Ben Sawyer.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026
Sandwell librarian Nicola Morris said next year's National Year of Reading would focus on people's reading habits, in a world full of distractions for adults and children, with busy lives, economic instability and changing populations.
From BBC • Dec. 27, 2025
Penelope exclaimed, for the mere sight of a helpful librarian had caused a question to pop into her mind.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
