greed

noun

: a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (such as money) than is needed
motivated by naked ambition and greed

Examples of greed in a Sentence

He was a ruthless businessman, motivated by naked ambition and greed. don't let greed for riches control you
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.
At trial, prosecutors argued the brothers acted out of greed, eager to secure their parents' multimillion-dollar estate. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025 Yes, Christian ska: Sprung from a small subgenre within a narrow musical niche, Five Iron Frenzy are longtime favorites among fans of Christian ska, singing songs filled with indignation about how faith has been used as a cudgel for greed and prejudice. Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2025 The show also provides a deeper understanding of the rot and greed of colonization, which sheds light on the current state of Hawai’i and its ongoing struggle for cultural survival. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025 What proceeds, inexorably, is a pulpy concoction of greed, murder, misguided ambition, and dumb luck (good and bad). Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for greed

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from greedy

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of greed was in 1609

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Greed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greed. Accessed 30 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

greed

noun
: selfish desire for food, money, or possessions over and above one's needs

More from Merriam-Webster on greed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!