hungry

adjective

hun·​gry ˈhəŋ-grē 

hungrier; hungriest

1

a

: feeling an uneasy or painful sensation from lack of food : feeling hunger

b

: characterized by or characteristic of hunger or appetite

a wolf with hungry eyes

2

a

: eager, avid

hungry for affection

b

: strongly motivated (as by ambition)

hungry investors

a power-hungry politician

3

: not rich or fertile : barren

a hungry soil

hungrily

ˈhəŋ-grə-lē 

adverb

hungriness

ˈhəŋ-grē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• empty
• famished
• peckish [chiefly British]
• starved
• starving

Examples of hungry in a Sentence

There are millions of hungry people throughout the world.

That girl is always hungry.

The prisoners' families were hungry for more information.

They were hungry to learn more.

Recent Examples on the Web

Little more than 24 hours after being humbled by its cross-state rival, Tampa Bay was hungry to make amends Monday night. —Eduardo A. Encina, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024

Lithgow returned as the Trinity Killer in New Blood albeit for a bitty part leaving fans hungry for more. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 23 Dec. 2024

This flimsy lawsuit is just the latest in a tidal wave of legal actions by a desperate Chopra hungry for headlines. —Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, 23 Dec. 2024

For me, the most important thing is that Aaron remains hungry and wants to improve. —Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hungrig; akin to Old English hungor

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing hungry

• go hungry

Kids Definition

hungry

adjective

hun·​gry ˈhəŋ-grē 

hungrier; hungriest

1

: feeling or showing hunger

2

: eager, avid

hungry for all the details

hungrily

-grə-lē 

adverb