craving

noun crav·ing \ ˈkrā-viŋ \

Definition of craving

: an intense, urgent, or abnormal desire or longing

a craving for chocolate

a craving for new experiences

See craving defined for English-language learners

See craving defined for kids

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 of craving from the Web

Howard needed to get his cravings for Skittles and chocolate and honey buns and cream pies under control, not only for the sake of his basketball career but also for the integrity of his long-term health.

— christopher cason, GQ, "The Real-Life Diet of Dwight Howard, the NBA All-Star Who Allegedly Ate 24 Candy Bars a Day," 19 Oct. 2017
Labeouf is an actor who has starred in several films, including all three Transformer movies (because one Transformer movie is simply not enough to satisfy the public’s craving for true entertainment).

— jack greiner, Cincinnati.com, "Greiner: Does anti-SLAPP law protect a drunken punk?," 6 Oct. 2017
This will no doubt be the challenge Osorio has been craving, as his team will have to face players with Premier League pedigree such as Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and the presently unstoppable Romelu Lukaku.

— luis miguel echegaray, SI.com, "With Berth in Tow, Mexico Approaches Final World Cup Qualifiers With All-In Mentality," 3 Oct. 2017
Kim also famously traveled the world to satisfy her pregnancy cravings.

— kayleigh roberts, Marie Claire, "A Definitive Guide to Kardashian Pregnancies," 23 Sep. 2017
Only by shedding these cravings, Buddhists believe, can man be free from fear.

— The Economist, "Freedom from financial fearEmerging markets have become more resilient," 5 Oct. 2017
While the carnivorous cravings of most flesh-eating plants are limited to small insects, one exception is the pitcher plant.

— smithsonianmag.com, "The Carnivorous Plant That Feasts on Mice," 30 Sep. 2017
Research comparing high-protein options (usually around 30 grams or more) with more a typical breakfast with 15 or less grams shows decreased food cravings and overall hunger after high-protein meals.

— ashleigh spitza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Breakfast: Making it work, to your body's benefit," 12 Sep. 2017
And yet there was something foolish about that craving and its undignified postures--at least to the extent that mastering loss by learning to live with it becomes an essential lesson as one ages.

— will blythe, Esquire, "Hating Coach K," 1 Apr. 2010

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'craving.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.