hanker
verb (used without object)
to have a restless or incessant longing (often followed by after, for, or an infinitive).
have been hankering
-
present perfect progressiveof hanker.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Fans have been hankering for a follow-up to GTA 5 after it was released back in 2013, and became one of the best-selling games of all time.
From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026
Nebraska: The Huskers have been hankering for a ranking and were in prove-it mode after their 12-0 start was spoiled by a dismal offensive showing at Michigan State.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 4, 2022
This will hearten the US who have been hankering after a robust verification system for years.
From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2015
I have been hankering after the grapes on the wall," says he, "and lost my temper because they were beyond my reach; was there any wonder?
From The History of Henry Esmond, Esq. A Colonel in the Service of Her Majesty Queen Anne by William Makepeace Thackeray
No, of course not; and yet I'll wager you have been hankering after the Bhagavat Ghita, and trying to get a copy of the illustrious Trismegistan Gimander!
From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 05, No. 32, June, 1860 by Various
