craving

noun

crav·​ing ˈkrā-viŋ How to pronounce craving (audio)
Synonyms of craving
: an intense, urgent, or abnormal desire or longing
a craving for chocolate
a craving for new experiences

Synonyms of craving

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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
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.
Irritability and low energy and a knife-sharp craving for isolation. — Literary Hub, 20 July 2026 Barnes & Noble is back from the dead; so is the indie bookstore, buoyed by a post-pandemic craving for in-person events and non-algorithmic recommendations. — Sophia Nguyen, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026 Note the fresh loaves and pastries at the counter, a bounty that resonates with the craving for comfort food. — Connie Ogle july 17, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026 But success rates go up significantly if people receive a combination of both behavioral support and treatments designed to ease withdrawal and craving symptoms, such as varenicline, nicotine patches, or bupropion. — Sarah Todd, STAT, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for craving

Word History

Etymology

see crave

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of craving was in 1633

Rhymes for craving

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Browse Nearby Words

craver
craving
cravo
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Cite this Entry

“Craving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/craving. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

craving

noun
crav·​ing ˈkrā-viŋ How to pronounce craving (audio)
: a great desire or longing

More from Merriam-Webster on craving

Nglish: Translation of craving for Spanish Speakers

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