need

verb

needed; needing; needs or (auxiliary) need

intransitive verb

1

: to be needful or necessary

2

: to be in want

transitive verb

: to be in need of : require

auxiliary verb

: be under necessity or obligation to

you need not answer

she need only wait

Synonyms of need

• require
• want
• take

Examples of need in a Sentence

I need some advice. What do you think of this dress?

I just need a couple of minutes to get ready.

Most babies need at least 12 hours of sleep a day.

We badly need a vacation.

Further research is urgently needed if we are to find a cure.

Another delay is the last thing I need!

Men? Who needs them?! I certainly don't.

Recent Examples on the Web

The plan still needs to be voted on and approved in the fall. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2026

Asked about those criticisms Wednesday, Raman defended her record and argued the city needs a different approach. —Teresa Liu, Daily News, 11 June 2026

Megna and the Eagles returned home to Northern Colorado ready to triumph, needing to win one more game to reach the Calder Cup Final for the first time in franchise history. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 11 June 2026

Raphinha — Brazil/Barcelona Every top team needs a winger like Raphinha. —Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing need

• a crying need
• a friend in need is a friend indeed
• as the need arises
• feel the need
• hour of need
• if need be
• in need
• in need of
• in times of need
• no need
• no need to fear
• pre-need
• should the need arise
• when the need arises

Rhymes for need

• bead
• bleed
• brede
• breed
• cede
• creed
• deed
• feed
• freed
• greed
• heed
• keyed

Kids Definition

need

1 of 2 noun

ˈnēd 

1

: necessary duty : obligation

no need to apologize

2

a

: a lack of something necessary, desirable, or useful

the need for more doctors

b

: something necessary or desired

a need for sympathy

also : a mental or physical requirement for keeping a living thing in normal condition

3

: a situation requiring supply or relief

call whenever the need arises

a friend in need

4

: poverty sense 1, want

provide for those in need

need

2 of 2 verb

1

: to be in want

2

: to be in need of : require

they need advice

3

: to be required or obliged

we need to look at the facts

you need not answer

4

: to be necessary

something needs to be done