need

1 of 2

noun

1
: necessary duty : obligation
no need to apologize
the need to pay taxesPeter Scott
2
a
: a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful
a building adequate for the company's needs
b
: a physiological or psychological requirement for the well-being of an organism
health and education needs
3
: a condition requiring supply or relief
The house is in need of repair.
refugees in need of shelter and food
4
: lack of the means of subsistence (see subsistence sense 2) : poverty
The community program provides for those in need.

need

2 of 2

verb

needed; needing; needs or (auxiliary) need

intransitive verb

1
: to be needful or necessary
2
: to be in want

transitive verb

: to be in need of : require

auxiliary verb

: be under necessity or obligation to
you need not answer
she need only wait

Examples of need in a Sentence

Noun You can always call me at home if the need arises. These new methods reduce the need to use harmful chemicals on crops. We find that there is still a need for further discussion. There is a great need for change. Our experienced staff will go out of their way to meet your every need. He has trouble expressing his emotional needs. I felt a need to take control of the situation. a need to be loved She has an overwhelming need to be liked and respected. I don't feel the need to defend my decision. Verb I need some advice. What do you think of this dress? I just need a couple of minutes to get ready. Most babies need at least 12 hours of sleep a day. We badly need a vacation. Further research is urgently needed if we are to find a cure. Another delay is the last thing I need! Men? Who needs them?! I certainly don't.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
This approach enables healthcare providers to make informed decisions, tailor treatments to individual patient needs, and predict health trends, all while increasing access to care and reducing costs. Sacramento Bee, 5 Mar. 2024 Read Next Ranking Panthers’ offseason roster needs: Wide receiver, edge rusher are high on list February 12, 2024 5:30 AM All eyes on Frankie Luvu With the tag on Burns, the Panthers can now focus their immediate attention on do-everything linebacker Frankie Luvu. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2024 Amazon’s bot appeared to conflate two different needs. Shira Ovide, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 But Take Note It can be worn on its own, however, this hoodless jacket needs to be worn with layers for added warmth. Casey Clark, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024 Following the pandemic, HEB ISD partnered with the nonprofit Communities in Schools to place 13 staffers on campuses to help address students’ social and emotional needs. Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2024 Germany’s military confirmed the audio was authentic, but did not comment on its contents, including a discussion of the need for German involvement in running the system if it were handed to Ukraine. Christopher F. Schuetze, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024 If your workers’ comp claim has been denied, this need for extensive, practical legal knowledge and experience is crucial when arguing your case before an administrative law judge in a contested hearing. David Stubblefield, The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024 Working hand-in-hand with their clients, the firm aims to resolve cases as promptly as possible and tailor all strategies to meet the unique needs of each case and person. Nick Kasmik, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024
Verb
Donald Trump is the nominee, we’ll be united behind him and then do what needs to be done to save this country. TIME, 7 Mar. 2024 Butler continued his unusual streak and did what was needed with a strong fourth quarter. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 Fellow Nobel laureate Salman Rushdie, who befriended García Márquez later in life, says the author's works need no new additions. Carrie Kahn, NPR, 6 Mar. 2024 The seller’s sweet spot What needs to happen in order for homeowners to run, not walk to the selling starting line? Nick Boniakowski, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2024 But, at 81 years of age and over six decades of playing music, Mahal doesn’t need much preparation to perform. Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 6 Mar. 2024 FilmLA’s Audley predicts that features will likely need another two to four weeks to start up, based on typical run-up schedules. Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024 The Republican nominee needs at least 1,215 delegates to secure the nomination, according to Associated Press data. Kendrick Marshall, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2024 Republicans have a total of 2,429 delegates this year, and the nominee will need to garner a total of 1,215 delegates to be proclaimed the winner. USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'need.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English ned, from Old English nīed, nēd; akin to Old High German nōt distress, need, Old Prussian nautin need

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of need was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near need

Cite this Entry

“Need.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/need. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

need

1 of 2 noun
1
: necessary duty : obligation
no need to apologize
2
a
: a lack of something necessary, desirable, or useful
the need for more doctors
b
: something necessary or desired
a need for sympathy
also : a mental or physical requirement for keeping a living thing in normal condition
3
: a situation requiring supply or relief
call whenever the need arises
a friend in need
4
: poverty sense 1, want
provide for those in need

need

2 of 2 verb
1
: to be in want
2
: to be in need of : require
they need advice
3
: to be required or obliged
we need to look at the facts
you need not answer
4
: to be necessary
something needs to be done

More from Merriam-Webster on need

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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