1
a
: of or relating to books
b
: fond of books and reading
2
a
: inclined to rely on book knowledge
b
of words : literary and formal as opposed to colloquial and informal
c
: given to literary or scholarly pursuits
also : affectedly learned
bookishly adverb
bookishness noun
Examples of bookish in a Sentence
Their teacher was a bookish fellow. “fealty” is a bookish synonym for “loyalty”
Recent Examples on the Web
There are authors and booths everywhere, and plenty of totes and bookish merch to get your hands on. —
Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026 The contrast between the bookish judge, lauded during his confirmation for his reverence of legal precedents, and the agitated, outspoken figure of recent years was especially noticeable to old friends and supporters. —Peter S. Canellos, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026 His glasses become him, in that bookish Clark Kent way. —Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026 This one-syllable name, inspired by The Raven poet, could be a match for parents seeking a bookish name or one with a soft-gothic feel. —Anna Earl, Parents, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bookish
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026 The contrast between the bookish judge, lauded during his confirmation for his reverence of legal precedents, and the agitated, outspoken figure of recent years was especially noticeable to old friends and supporters. —Peter S. Canellos, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026 His glasses become him, in that bookish Clark Kent way. —Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026 This one-syllable name, inspired by The Raven poet, could be a match for parents seeking a bookish name or one with a soft-gothic feel. —Anna Earl, Parents, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bookish
Cite this Entry
“Bookish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/bookish. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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