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

• starving
• starved

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

What they’re really known for, though, is their grass-fed, local beef burgers and hearty portions—so make sure to come hungry. —Angela Lian, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025

What hungry kids really need is better politicians, served up with a side of common sense and a dash of compassion. —Pat Beall, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2025

No surprise this uptick in Epstein awareness has publishers hungry for more. —Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2025

Every scene where these foes clash is hypnotically exciting, leaving audiences hungry for more. —Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 12 Aug. 2025

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