thirst
Americannoun
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a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat caused by need of liquid.
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the physical condition resulting from this need, in any of various degrees.
They almost died of thirst.
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strong or eager desire; craving.
a thirst for knowledge.
verb (used without object)
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to feel thirst; be thirsty.
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to have a strong desire.
noun
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a craving to drink, accompanied by a feeling of dryness in the mouth and throat
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an eager longing, craving, or yearning
a thirst for knowledge
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of thirst
before 900; Middle English thirsten (v.), Old English thyrstan, derivative of thurst (noun); cognate with Dutch dorst, German Durst, Old Norse thorsti, Gothic thaurstei; noun has -i- from the v. or from thirsty; see toast 1
Explanation
Thirst is the sensation of needing or wanting to drink something. Use the same word whether you're talking about your thirst for lemonade on a hot day or the dire thirst of someone lost in a desert without water. At its most serious, thirst can be compared to starvation: "The water shortage is leading to extreme thirst in the poorest parts of the country." You can also use this word for a much milder need, like your cousin's seemingly endless thirst for root beer. Figuratively, to thirst for something is to desire it strongly: "Her thirst for knowledge means she stays up late reading the encyclopedia."
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.
“Meghan’s serving your insatiable thirst for dance-ready bops with the upbeat banger that is ‘Foolish,’” the release stated, cramming two bits of gay slang into one sentence.
From Salon • May 10, 2026
"Hearts must be set free from an idolatrous thirst for profit," the Pope said.
From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026
But if you thirst for a sober-minded investigation into this ominous tool — one with an approach that treats you like the intelligent being you are — you’ll have to wait for AI doc 2.0.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026
Juggling rapid growth and investors’ thirst for profit isn’t easy, either.
From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026
He gave an impromptu speech about the unquenchable African thirst for liberty.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
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.
