Bookish describes someone who loves reading and studying, often spending more time with books than with other activities. A bookish student might choose to curl up with a novel during recess instead of playing outside, or get so absorbed in a history book that they lose track of time.

The word carries a particular flavor: it suggests someone genuinely fascinated by ideas and stories found in books, driven by real interest rather than obligation. A bookish person might know obscure facts about ancient Egypt or be able to quote lines from their favorite novels. They're the kid who gets excited about a trip to the library or bookstore.

Sometimes people use bookish to gently suggest that someone is more comfortable with books than with people or physical activities. Teachers might describe a quiet, studious student as bookish. This isn't necessarily criticism, though it can hint that the person seems more at home in the world of ideas than in social settings.

The word can also describe things that relate to books or have a scholarly quality. A room with floor-to-ceiling shelves and a reading lamp has a bookish atmosphere. Thick glasses and a tweed jacket might look bookish. When something feels like it belongs in a library or study, you might call it bookish.