Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

hankering

[hang-ker-ing]
See more synonyms for hankering on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a longing; craving.
Show More

Origin of hankering

First recorded in 1655–65; hanker + -ing1
Related formshan·ker·ing·ly, adverb

Synonyms

See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.com
desire, need, yearning, hunger, yen, thirst.

hanker

[hang-ker]
verb (used without object)
  1. to have a restless or incessant longing (often followed by after, for, or an infinitive).
Show More

Origin of hanker

1595–1605; < early Dutch dialect hankeren (cognate with Dutch hunkeren), frequentative of hangen to hang
Related formshan·ker·er, noun

Synonyms

See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.com
See yearn.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

yearningcravingpininglongingurgeitchhungerwishyenthirstwantweaknessachedruthersmunchies

Examples from the Web for hankering

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

British Dictionary definitions for hankering

hanker

verb
  1. (foll by for, after, or an infinitive) to have a yearning (for something or to do something)
Show More
Derived Formshankering, noun

Word Origin

C17: probably from Dutch dialect hankeren
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for hankering

n.

"mental craving," 1660s, see hanker.

Show More

hanker

v.

c.1600, of unknown origin, probably from Flemish hankeren, related to Dutch hunkeren "to hanker," of unknown origin; perhaps an intensive of Middle Dutch hangen "to hang" (see hang (v.)). If so, the notion is of "lingering about" with longing or craving. Related: Hankered; hankering.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper