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 of hungry

• 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

The Cubs’ World Series MVP praised the mix of hungry veterans and young guys looking to win their first title. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

Druski is bringing his money-hungry megachurch pastor character to Netflix. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

People across Sudan are not only hungry every single day, but countless people are suffering from severe malnutrition to starvation. — Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026

The bass fishing world was hungry for The Champions Tournament, and World Bass Enterprises pulled it off in epic fashion. — Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 31 Oct. 2026

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