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

Their goal is to find the best ways to help hungry families in the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, and while food prices remain high. —John Lauritsen, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026

Transparently, there were a few meals that left me hungry. —Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Feb. 2026

The fast casual chain just announced its first-ever dedicated value menu to help hungry customers pinch a few pennies. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026

The migration trek is continental so birds are going to get hungry during their flight. —Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 27 Feb. 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