craving

noun

crav·​ing ˈkrā-viŋ 

: an intense, urgent, or abnormal desire or longing

a craving for chocolate

a craving for new experiences

Synonyms

• appetency
• appetite
• desire
• drive
• hankering
• hunger
• itch
• jones [slang]
• letch
• longing
• lust
• passion
• pining
• thirst
• thirstiness
• urge
• yearning
• yen

Examples of craving in a Sentence

I had a sudden craving for french fries, so I pulled into the nearest fast-food restaurant.

a pregnant woman with a craving for pickles

Recent Examples on the Web

Relationship experts, like Battle, say these in real-life (IRL) events speak to our craving for something that was once commonplace. —Doc Louallen, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2024

Bupropion/naltrexone: This combination drug, sold under the brand name Contrave, affects the brain's hunger and reward centers to reduce cravings and overall food intake. —Jay N. Yepuri, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2024

Freedom and time, contemplation without guilt, a craving for anything and nothing in particular. —Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2024

The sound is understated yet evocative, as Tinashe keeps lingering on the threshold between impulsive erotic craving and full-immersion all-in romance. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see crave

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

craving

noun

crav·​ing ˈkrā-viŋ 

: a great desire or longing