hungry

adjective

hun·​gry ˈhəŋ-grē How to pronounce hungry (audio)
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 adverb
hungriness noun

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
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.
Duque also spoke about the opportunities for Latin America as a potential hub for energy-hungry artificial intelligence data centers, largely because of the continent’s commitment to developing renewable energy. Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 24 Sep. 2025 This lengthy conflict decimated the economy of Ivalice, and in its wake, power-hungry lords have split the land into a feudal society. Hayes Madsen, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2025 To challenge our pace on the trail, Erika also invited a friend, Shea Small, a 28-year-old snowmobiling and rafting guide who summited Holy Cross via the standard route for the first time the previous weekend and was hungry for more vert. Ted Katauskas, Outside, 23 Sep. 2025 Anyone hungry for the icy crunch of a Pluto-like body? Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hungry

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hungry was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Hungry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hungry. Accessed 26 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

hungry

adjective
hun·​gry ˈhəŋ-grē How to pronounce hungry (audio)
hungrier; hungriest
1
: feeling or showing hunger
2
: eager, avid
hungry for all the details
hungrily adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on hungry

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