Hungry: Definition, Meaning, and Examples

Last Updated on
January 15, 2026

1. Hungry (adjective): Feeling or displaying the need for food.
2. Hungry (adjective): Having a strong desire or craving for something.
3. Hungry (adjective): Characterized by scarcity or need.

The word "hungry" primarily refers to the physical sensation of needing food, but it can also describe a deep craving or eagerness for something beyond sustenance, such as success or knowledge. It is widely used in both literal and figurative contexts. Keep reading to explore its meanings, pronunciation, synonyms, antonyms, and more.

"Hungry" Definition: What Does "Hungry" Mean?

"Hungry" is a common adjective that expresses a need for food or an intense desire for something. It is often used in both everyday speech and literature.

Definition of "Hungry": Feeling of Hunger

This is the most common meaning of "hungry," referring to the physical sensation caused by an empty stomach or a lack of food.

Definition of "Hungry": Strong Desire

Beyond food, "hungry" can describe a powerful craving or ambition, such as being "hungry for success."

Definition of "Hungry": Scarcity or Need

It can also describe situations of deprivation, such as a "hungry nation" struggling with food shortages.

Parts of Speech

"Hungry" is primarily used as an adjective to describe a person, animal, or situation experiencing hunger or desire. It is not commonly used as a verb or noun.

How to Pronounce "Hungry"?

The word "hungry" is pronounced as "HUN-gree." It has two syllables, with the emphasis placed on the first syllable. The first part, "hun," rhymes with "fun," while the second syllable, "gry," sounds like "agree" without the "a." When pronouncing "hungry," ensure the first syllable is slightly stronger than the second.

Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˈhʌŋ.ɡri/

Synonyms of "Hungry": Other Ways to Say "Hungry"

Many words convey similar meanings to "hungry," depending on context.

  • Starving
  • Famished
  • Ravenous
  • Peckish
  • Voracious
  • Greedy
  • Eager
  • Desirous
  • Craving
  • Insatiable

Antonyms of "Hungry": Other Ways to Say "Hungry"

Antonyms of "hungry" describe fullness or a lack of desire.

  • Full
  • Satisfied
  • Content
  • Stuffed
  • Indifferent
  • Uninterested
  • Glutted
  • Replete
  • Fed
  • Unhungry

Examples of "Hungry" in a Sentence

Here are ten sentences demonstrating different uses of "hungry":

  1. After skipping breakfast, she felt extremely hungry by noon.
  2. The stray dog looked weak and hungry.
  3. He was hungry for knowledge and spent hours reading.
  4. The basketball team was hungry for victory.
  5. Children in war-torn regions often go to bed hungry.
  6. She had a hungry look in her eyes as she eyed the last slice of cake.
  7. The young entrepreneur was hungry for success.
  8. His hungry ambition drove him to work late every night.
  9. The economy left many families hungry for better opportunities.
  10. They were hungry to prove themselves in the competition.

Frequency of Use

According to Google's Ngram Viewer, which tracks the frequency of words in books over time, the usage of "hungry" has remained relatively consistent since the 1800s, with some variations in different periods. The word appears frequently in everyday conversation, literature, and discussions about social issues related to food insecurity and poverty.

Variants of "Hungry"

Several variations of "hungry" exist with slight differences in meaning.

  1. Hungrier: The comparative form, indicating a greater level of hunger.
  2. Hungriest: The superlative form, meaning the highest degree of hunger.

Related Terms to "Hungry"

These words are closely related to "hungry" in meaning or usage.

  1. Appetite
  2. Desire
  3. Greed
  4. Starvation
  5. Thirst
  6. Craving
  7. Famine
  8. Need
  9. Want
  10. Yearning

Etymology: History and Origins of "Hungry"

The word "hungry" originates from the Old English term hungor, meaning "hunger" or "famine." It is derived from the Proto-Germanic hungraz, which also relates to hunger. Over time, its meaning expanded to include a metaphorical sense of craving or ambition.

Derivatives and Compounds of "Hungry"

Several words are derived from "hungry."

  1. Hungrily: The adverb form, meaning "in a hungry manner."
  2. Hunger-stricken: Describing extreme hunger.
  3. Hunger-driven: Motivated by hunger or a strong desire.

Common Misspellings of "Hungry"

Misspellings of "hungry" often occur due to phonetic errors.

  1. Hungary
  2. Hungrie
  3. Hungray
  4. Hungree

10 Idioms Similar to "Hungry"

Here are ten idioms that relate to hunger or desire:

  1. Eat like a horse
  2. Have a hollow leg
  3. Bite off more than you can chew
  4. Put food on the table
  5. Burning desire
  6. Food for thought
  7. Appetite for success
  8. Hunger pangs
  9. Insatiable thirst
  10. Greedy as a pig

10 Common Questions About "Hungry"

1. What does "hungry" mean?

"Hungry" means feeling a need for food or having a strong craving for something.

2. Is "hungry" always about food?

No, it can also refer to a strong desire for things like success, power, or knowledge.

3. What is the opposite of "hungry"?

Words like "full," "satisfied," or "content" are common antonyms of "hungry."

4. Can "hungry" describe emotions?

Yes, it can describe eagerness, ambition, or desire, such as being "hungry" for success.

5. What’s the difference between "hungry" and "starving"?

"Starving" is a much stronger term, indicating extreme or prolonged hunger, whereas "hungry" can refer to a general need for food or ambition.

6. Is "hungry" used in slang?

Yes, phrases like "stay hungry" mean to remain ambitious or determined.

7. Can animals feel "hungry" the same way humans do?

Yes, animals experience hunger as a biological response to needing food, just like humans.

8. What does "hungry for attention" mean?

It means someone strongly desires recognition, validation, or approval from others.

9. How do you say "hungry" in other languages?

In Spanish, it is "hambriento"; in French, "affamé"; in German, "hungrig"; and in Italian, "affamato."

10. What are some idioms related to "hungry"?

Some idioms include "eat like a horse," "have a hunger for knowledge," and "thirst for success."

Conclusion

The word "hungry" means feeling the need for food or having a strong desire for something. It is a widely used term in both literal and figurative contexts, making it essential in daily language. Consider using "hungry" to describe physical hunger or ambition in your writing and speech.

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