thirsty

adjective

ˈthər-stē 

thirstier; thirstiest

1

a

: feeling thirst

hungry and thirsty

b

: deficient in moisture : parched

thirsty land/soil

c

: highly absorbent

thirsty towels

d

: causing thirst

thirsty work

2

a

: having a strong desire for something : avid

thirsty for knowledge

b

informal : feeling or showing a strong desire for attention, approval, or publicity (as on social media)

… the brands did what was inevitable: They began to tweet about the question, hoping to grab some of that attention for their own. For a thirsty brand, the only thing better than April Fools' Day is a hugely viral meme.

—Abby Ohlheiser

thirstiness

ˈthər-stē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of thirsty

• dry

Examples of thirsty in a Sentence

The salty food was making her thirsty.

struggling to survive in that hot and thirsty climate

Recent Examples on the Web

The idea is already being piloted in water-scarce communities and gaining a toehold in thirsty industries such as the military and agriculture. —Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Some even combine vitamin C with hydrating or soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or peptides, so your skin looks bright and plump without ever feeling stripped, thirsty, or irritated. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 24 Jan. 2026

People are thirsty for that kind of authenticity, and to re-evaluate what the American story really is. —Cat Cardenas, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026

Finally, hyaluronic acid lessens the appearance of fine lines—which are more prominent when skin is thirsty. —Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English thirsti, thursty, þristi, going back to Old English þurstig, þyrstig, from þurst thirst entry 1 + -ig -y entry 1 (with parallel formations in Middle Dutch dorstich, Old High German durstac, tursteg)

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for thirsty

• bloodthirsty

Kids Definition

thirsty

adjective

ˈthər-stē 

thirstier; thirstiest

1

a

: feeling thirst

b

: needing moisture

thirsty land

2

: having a strong desire

thirsty for knowledge

thirstily

-stə-lē

adverb

Medical Definition

thirsty

adjective

ˈthər-stē 

thirstier; thirstiest

: feeling thirst