1
a
: a craving or urgent need for food or a specific nutrient
b
: an uneasy sensation occasioned by the lack of food
The small meal wasn't enough to satisfy his hunger.
c
: a weakened condition brought about by prolonged lack of food
died of hunger
2
: a strong desire : craving
a hunger for success
hungered; hungering
ˈhəŋ-g(ə-)riŋ 
1
: to feel or suffer hunger (see hunger entry 1)
feasting while the poor hunger
2
: to have an eager desire
The nation hungers for a strong leader.
: to make hungry
Phrases
from hunger
: very bad or inept
the jokes were from hunger—
Mordecai Richler
Mordecai RichlerSynonyms
Noun
Verb
Examples of hunger in a Sentence
Noun
She has been a leader in the fight against world hunger.
One sandwich wasn't enough to satisfy his hunger.
Her students have a genuine hunger for knowledge.
Recent Examples on the WebNurith Aizenman, NPR, 19 Apr. 2024
The non-profit, which advances initiatives aimed at ending world hunger, also appointed philanthropist Jimmy Zankel to the board.
—Marc Schneider, Billboard, 19 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hunger 
Noun
In an increasing number of hunger crises, aid workers who can provide that kind of specialized care are unable to get in due to ongoing conflicts.
—Nurith Aizenman, NPR, 19 Apr. 2024
The non-profit, which advances initiatives aimed at ending world hunger, also appointed philanthropist Jimmy Zankel to the board.
—Marc Schneider, Billboard, 19 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hunger
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hunger.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near hunger
Cite this Entry
“Hunger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hunger. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hunger
2 of 2 verb
hungered; hungering
-g(ə-)riŋ
1
: to feel or suffer hunger
2
: to have an eager desire
hungered for affection
Medical Definition
hunger
noun
hun·ger
ˈhəŋ-gər
1
: a craving, desire, or urgent need for food
2
: an uneasy sensation occasioned normally by the lack of food and resulting directly from stimulation of the sensory nerves of the stomach by the contraction and churning movement of the empty stomach
3
: a weakened disordered condition brought about by prolonged lack of food
die of hunger
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