thirst

noun

\ˈthərst

Definition of thirst

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat associated with a desire for liquids also : the bodily condition (as of dehydration) that induces this sensation

b : a desire or need to drink

2 : an ardent desire : craving, longing a thirst for success

thirst

verb

thirsted; thirsting; thirsts

Definition of thirst (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to feel thirsty : suffer thirst

2 : to crave vehemently and urgently thirsted for revenge thirsting after justice

Other Words from thirst Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about thirst

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Choose the Right Synonym for thirst

Verb

long, yearn, hanker, pine, hunger, thirst mean to have a strong desire for something. long implies a wishing with one's whole heart and often a striving to attain. longed for some rest yearn suggests an eager, restless, or painful longing. yearned for a stage career hanker suggests the uneasy promptings of unsatisfied appetite or desire. always hankering for money pine implies a languishing or a fruitless longing for what is impossible. pined for a lost love hunger and thirst imply an insistent or impatient craving or a compelling need. hungered for a business of his own thirsted for power

Examples of thirst in a Sentence

Noun

his thirst for knowledge is evident in his book-filled house an unquenchable thirst for travel that has led her to the far corners of the globe

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

When dust storms began rising off the dry bed of Owens Lake, authorities in the Eastern Sierra blamed Los Angeles’ thirst. — Louis Sahagun, latimes.com, "A changing climate at Mono Lake could mean more dust storms in the Eastern Sierra — or less water for L.A.," 5 July 2018 Big thirst Two of the largest users of water in Kwale County are mining company Base Titanium and the Kwale International Sugar Company, which has about 19,700 acres of sugarcane under irrigation. — Isaiah Esipisu, The Christian Science Monitor, "In sustainability search, Kenya studies the unknown depths of its aquifers," 2 July 2018 Symptoms include excessive thirst, fatigue, heavy sweating, nausea, headaches, muscle cramping, confusion, slow/weakened heartbeat, and agitation. — Frank Kummer, Philly.com, "Extended heatwave in Philadelphia amid July 4th crowds adds to health concerns," 2 July 2018 The signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, fever, seizures and unconsciousness. — Cathy M. Rosenthal, San Antonio Express-News, "Tips to keep your pooch safe and healthy this summer," 22 June 2018 Photo: Jason Janik/BLOOMBERG NEWS As prices rose to all-time highs of almost $150 a barrel, Mr. Tillerson led the charge to chase more expensive prospects that could meet the world’s thirst for crude. — Bradley Olson, WSJ, "Exxon, Once a ‘Perfect Machine,’ Is Running Dry," 13 July 2018 That perpetual thirst for knowledge carried him through his career as a newspaperman. — Talia Richman, baltimoresun.com, "Capital Gazette editor Gerald Fischman remembered at funeral for dry wit, love of family," 8 July 2018 Nor were the festivities confined to the thirst parlors. — sandiegouniontribune.com, "July 1, 1919: Prohibition begins," 1 July 2018 Many can interfere with the activity of the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that helps regulate temperature and thirst. — Avichai Scher /, NBC News, "Here's a surprising extreme heat risk for 1 in 6 Americans," 28 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

In what was probably its least unexpected ruling, written by the least unexpected justice, the Supreme Court on Wednesday delivered a blow to public workers for which the right wing has been thirsting for decades. — Michael Hiltzik, latimes.com, "With Janus ruling, Supreme Court seals a 40-year campaign to eviscerate worker rights," 27 June 2018 But even though the fans started de-thirsting early, and leaned on the cerveza fria to combat the sun that was already blazing when the match started at 8 a.m., the crowd was super mellow. — Scott Ostler, SFChronicle.com, "Fans party at Avaya Stadium as they watch Mexico beat South Korea," 23 June 2018 Every bartender is now a mixologist, serving artisanal cocktails (heavy on cassis) to anyone thirsting for a Runny-Nosed Has-Been. — Steve Rushin, SI.com, "How the World Has Changed in the 25 Years Since the Final Cheers Episode," 22 May 2018 These are products methodically designed by behavioral scientists employed by the richest companies in the world, working to keep us endlessly engaged, forever thirsting for our next like. — Michael Zelenko, The Verge, "There’s no perfect minimalist phone — yet," 3 May 2018 Avicii: True Stories Documentary Avicii was an elusive creature, and fans thirsted for a chance to peek inside his world. — Kat Bein, Billboard, "Avicii's Most Memorable Moments: From Madonna to Arenas & More," 20 Apr. 2018 Any traveler thirsting for a combination of culture, relaxation, and a storied history need look no further than Wyoming. — Sunset, "Living in the West: The Best of Cowboy Country," 22 Jan. 2018 Players continue to thirst for the feeling of gliding a Lamborghini around a gentle curve rendered as accurately as possible, and only a handful of studios currently has the budget or the infrastructure to keep up. — Steven T. Wright, Ars Technica, "Life in (virtual) pit lane: The war stories of video game car design," 28 Apr. 2018 Avengers: Infinity Wars is nearly upon us, signaling both the death of a bunch of beloved superheroes, probably, and a marketing cycle that thirsts for the blood of every possible cash cow. — Megan Farokhmanesh, The Verge, "In honor of Avengers: Infinity War, Build-a-Bear is releasing a series of cursed murder bears," 19 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'thirst.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near thirst

Phrases Related to thirst

die of/from thirst

quench one's/someone's thirst

slake one's/someone's thirst

Statistics for thirst

Last Updated

5 Oct 2018

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for thirst

The first known use of thirst was before the 12th century

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More Definitions for thirst

thirst

noun

English Language Learners Definition of thirst

(Entry 1 of 2)

: an uncomfortable feeling that is caused by the need for something to drink

: a very great need for something to drink

: a strong desire for something

thirst

verb

English Language Learners Definition of thirst (Entry 2 of 2)

: to have or feel a strong desire

See the full definition for thirst in the English Language Learners Dictionary

thirst

noun

\ˈthərst

Kids Definition of thirst

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a feeling of dryness in the mouth and throat that accompanies a need for liquids

2 : the bodily condition that produces thirst die of thirst

3 : a strong desire a thirst for knowledge

thirst

verb

thirsted; thirsting

Kids Definition of thirst (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to feel a need for liquids

2 : to have a strong desire They thirst for freedom.

thirst

noun

\ˈthərst

Medical Definition of thirst

: a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat associated with a desire for liquids also : the bodily condition (as of dehydration) that induces this sensation