love affair

noun

1. a romantic relationship or episode between lovers; an amour.
2. an active enthusiasm for something:

   my love affair with sailing.

love affair

noun

1. a romantic or sexual relationship, esp a temporary one, between two people
2. a great enthusiasm or liking for something

   a love affair with ballet

Word History and Origins

Origin of love affair¹

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

In yet another directorial gambit, Gold’s “Romeo + Juliet” looks, sounds and no doubt smells like teen spirit in a production determined to ignite a new generation’s love affair with the play.

From Los Angeles Times

Seen that way, friendships are love affairs, if platonic ones — and just as much of a roller coaster as romantic ones.

From Los Angeles Times

That last one, though, hints at the darker side of our love affairs with celebrities, especially women, in the way we celebrate loudly when the highest flyers tumble from the sky.

From Salon

The lyrics contemplate the fleeting nature of time and the loss of innocence, set against the backdrop of a love affair that's hit the rocks.

From BBC

That love affair began when, as a teen, he worked at a movie theater in Budapest and was dazzled by the jazz musicians who performed in American movies.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adultery
• affair
• courtship
• dalliance
• devotion
• fling
• flirtation
• infidelity
• involvement
• liaison
• love
• passion
• relationship
• tryst