lust

1 of 2

noun

ˈləst How to pronounce lust (audio)
Synonyms of lustnext
1
: usually intense or unbridled sexual desire : lasciviousness
He was motivated more by lust than by love.
2
a
: an intense longing : craving
a lust to succeed
b
: enthusiasm, eagerness
admired his lust for life
3
obsolete
a
: pleasure, delight
b
: personal inclination : wish

lust

2 of 2

verb

lusted; lusting; lusts

intransitive verb

: to have an intense desire or need : crave
specifically : to have a sexual urge

Synonyms of lust

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Noun

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of lust in a Sentence

Noun He was consumed by lust. He was driven by a lust for power. Lust for chocolate drew her into the candy store. Verb I'm lusting after that new SUV
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.
Noun
Politicians are still destroying the peace just for their own power lust. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 17 June 2026 The moon touches down on your ninth house, stirring curiosity, faith, wanderlust and a lust for something bigger than your usual routine. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
Verb
Lace-y Things Nothing says love and lust quite like lace, right? — Eva Thomas, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026 His looking at and lusting after women online hurts my feelings. — Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lust

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German lust pleasure and perhaps to Latin lascivus wanton

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Verb

12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Phrases Containing lust

Rhymes for lust

See All Rhymes for lust

Browse Nearby Words

lusory
lust
luster
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lust. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lust

1 of 2 noun
ˈləst How to pronounce lust (audio)
1
: sexual desire especially if strong or uncontrolled
2
: a strong longing : craving

lust

2 of 2 verb
: to have a strong desire : crave
especially : to have a strong sexual desire

More from Merriam-Webster on lust

Nglish: Translation of lust for Spanish Speakers

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