desirous

adjective

de·​sir·​ous di-ˈzī(-ə)r-əs How to pronounce desirous (audio)
Synonyms of desirousnext
: impelled or governed by desire
desirous of fame
desirously adverb
desirousness noun

Examples of desirous in a Sentence

management is very desirous of finishing the project on time and within budget
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.
Since 2012, Future Legends has dedicated itself to providing financial support, mentorship, and opportunity to deserving students desirous of attaining a college education on their road to success. Rancho Santa Fe Review, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Dec. 2025 Two other sites under prime consideration are Washington Square Park in Kansas City, fueling the hopes of fans and city leaders desirous for downtown Major League Baseball. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 10 Dec. 2025 Almost immediately, the government didn’t seem all that desirous of playing the backstop roll. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 16 Nov. 2025 Here is my coven of women authors and their pariah creation—sometimes literal monsters, sometimes the monster of the desirous self. Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for desirous

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of desirous was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Desirous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desirous. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

desirous

adjective
de·​sir·​ous di-ˈzī(ə)r-əs How to pronounce desirous (audio)
: eagerly wishing
desirous of an invitation
desirously adverb
desirousness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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