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

If these Asian dumplings rock, hungry Idahoans will pounce. —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 15 May 2026

Best Buy might have fed the gaming streets the news its been hungry for since 2025. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

After a 40-5 decision by the City Council, Daley turned over tens of thousands of parking spots to hungry investors with a 75-year lease. —Jackson Potter, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026

When the clock strikes midnight, hungry Kansas Citians will no longer be able to rely on a fixture that has supplied night owls with burgers and fries for years — at least for now. —Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 14 May 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