hungry

adjective

hun·​gry ˈhəŋ-grē How to pronounce hungry (audio)
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 adverb
hungriness noun

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
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.
Managing change proactively rather than reactively means staying hungry, staying humble and staying committed to the long-term vision—especially when things are going well. Robert Balentine, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 The Kings didn’t push to create offense, with only 15 third-period shot attempts (only six of which went on goal) and instead focused on fending off a hungry Oilers team. Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 While most might focus on the central heartbeat of the narrative that centers around two cannibalistic teenagers hungry in love (Chalamet and Taylor Russell), Kajganich knew that Guadagnino’s sensibilities would be drawn to the physical logistics of the situation. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2025 After years of hope, construction projects are going vertical and new businesses, breweries and restaurants are drawing hungry, eager crowds. Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hungry

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hungry was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hungry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hungry. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

hungry

adjective
hun·​gry ˈhəŋ-grē How to pronounce hungry (audio)
hungrier; hungriest
1
: feeling or showing hunger
2
: eager, avid
hungry for all the details
hungrily adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on hungry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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