crave
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to long for; want greatly; desire eagerly.
to crave sweets; to crave affection.
-
to require; need.
a problem craving prompt attention.
-
to ask earnestly for (something); beg for.
-
to ask (a person) earnestly for something or to do something.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to desire intensely; long (for)
-
(tr) to need greatly or urgently
-
(tr) to beg or plead for
Other Word Forms
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"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Instead of "Said": Words for Asking and Offering
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Balcony Scene from "Romeo and Juliet"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The show, based on the “Game Changers” book series by Rachel Reid, was produced by Bell Media’s Crave in Canada.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026
On average, episodes in the six-part season were re-watched by a third of the show’s viewers on Crave, Bell Media says.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026
After premiering on the Canadian streaming platform Crave in late November, the series hit HBO Max and took off, becoming one of its most popular shows by Christmas.
From Barron's • Jan. 15, 2026
Produced by Canadian streamer Crave and airing concurrently on HBO Max, the drama became a cultural flashpoint after its two-episode premiere on Nov. 28.
From Salon • Dec. 6, 2025
His nurse was Dethcaen, the druidess, daughter of Cathvah the druid, the mighty wizard and prophet of the Crave Rue.
From The Coming of Cuculain by O'Grady, Standish
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.
