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
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
cravesimple
-
cravessimple
-
have cravedperfect
-
has cravedperfect
-
am cravingprogressive
-
are cravingprogressive
-
is cravingprogressive
-
have been cravingperfect progressive
-
has been cravingperfect progressive
Past
-
cravedsimple
-
had cravedperfect
-
was cravingprogressive
-
were cravingprogressive
-
had been cravingperfect progressive
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"
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.
Teenagers don’t have the disposable income—or the easily accessible credit cards—that advertisers crave.
From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026
This isn’t a job for the scrawny or the squeamish, or for those who crave social recognition or respect.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026
“What people crave is connection, unity and the shared experience,” she noted.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 12, 2026
She said that members of the studio crave exposure for their work.
From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026
My mother's hand strokes my cheek and I don't push it away as I would in wakefulness, never wanting her to know how much I crave that gentle touch.
From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
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.
