: well-informed or deeply versed through reading
well-read in history

Examples of well-read in a Sentence

any well-read person would recognize the quotation
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
She’s always been so unbelievably well-read and politically savvy with the most hilarious sense of humor. Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2024 Well-loved and well-read copies of the book populate in countless children’s bedrooms. Amy Amatangelo, Los Angeles Times, 16 Nov. 2023 The Record, despite complaints from locals, remains well-read, even as readership dwindles at papers across the country. Kevin Draper, BostonGlobe.com, 19 Aug. 2023 Indeed, in my experience as an editor, the best prose stylists are invariably well-read. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 12 Aug. 2023 Reading the essays is like attending a concert with a friend who is exceptionally well-read and articulate. Terry W. Hartle, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 June 2023 Frank is emotionally intelligent, well-read, and articulate — an intellectual match for Queenie. Breanna Bell, Variety, 16 May 2023 The board is well-read, says Edwards. – Don’t contradict your colleagues. Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 17 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of well-read was in 1574

Dictionary Entries Near well-read

Cite this Entry

“Well-read.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-read. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

well-read

adjective
-ˈred
: well informed by much reading

More from Merriam-Webster on well-read

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!