crave
Americanverb (used with object)
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to long for; want greatly; desire eagerly.
to crave sweets; to crave affection.
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to require; need.
a problem craving prompt attention.
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to ask earnestly for (something); beg for.
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to ask (a person) earnestly for something or to do something.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to desire intensely; long (for)
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(tr) to need greatly or urgently
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(tr) to beg or plead for
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have cravedperfect
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has cravedperfect 3rd person singular
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is cravingprogressive 3rd person singular
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cravessingular 3rd person
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are cravingprogressive
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am cravingprogressive 1st person singular
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has been cravingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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have been cravingperfect progressive
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cravingparticiple
Past
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had cravedperfect
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had been cravingperfect progressive
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was cravingprogressive singular
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were cravingprogressive plural
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cravedparticiple
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cravedsimple
Future
Etymology
Origin of crave
First recorded before 1000; Middle English craven, Old English crafian; akin to Old Norse krefja “to demand, lay claim to”
Explanation
To crave something is to have a great desire for it, as one might crave love, fame, or French fries. Crave is typically used in the context of emotional or physical desires rather than practical needs. For example, most people crave a hug or a cup of hot cocoa every now and then, but it’s unusual to crave a new filing cabinet or tie rack — although if that’s how you feel, don’t let us interfere. Interestingly, crave comes from an Old English word meaning “demand.” Perhaps our ancestors were more assertive about getting what they wanted.
Vocabulary lists containing crave
Vocabulary from Beyoncé's "Lemonade"
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Instead of "Said": Words for Asking and Offering
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The Balcony Scene from "Romeo and Juliet"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Former City striker Ellen White believes the club need to be proactive in order to build the dynasty they crave.
From BBC • May 31, 2026
Scientists have long known that animals tend to crave protein-rich foods when deprived of protein, but exactly how the body senses this deficiency remained unclear.
From Science Daily • May 28, 2026
She said that members of the studio crave exposure for their work.
From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026
“All airline CEOs crave the spotlight,” Kirby said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026
"Good ser, it is gold I crave, not words on papers."
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
