hankering

[hang-ker-ing]

noun

1. a longing; craving.

   Synonyms: thirst, yen, hunger, yearning, need, desire

Other Word Forms

• hankeringly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hankering¹

First recorded in 1655–65; hanker + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The trend toward extravagance dovetailed nicely with the emergence of baby boomers and older Gen X–ers with more disposable income, the hankering for less-traveled international locales and a generational shift toward more creature comforts.

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When markets eventually correct, New York Democrats will be hankering for another tax fix to feed their spending habits.

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Studies also indicate that for some people, cravings for highly palatable foods go well beyond just a normal hankering for a snack and are, in fact, signs of addictive behavior.

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Let’s hope he doesn’t get a hankering for a Best Actor Oscar, or he might sign an executive order mandating an “emergency” tax of $100 per movie ticket.

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There are people who have a hankering for high arches or for feet covered in lotion.

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Related Words

• craving 
• pining 
• yearning