hanker
verb (used without object)
to have a restless or incessant longing (often followed by after, for, or an infinitive).
was hankering
-
past progressiveof hanker.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Last spring, the Midwest transplant was hankering to see some wildflowers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 26, 2026
After nearly eight months of "oily and salty" prison food, Barbie told the Sunday Times she would like to have some salad and marmite, while Peter was hankering for baked beans.
From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2025
The scandal offered a “welcome diversion” when the country was hankering for one.
From New York Times ● Dec. 5, 2018
"I don't know how many years I have left to play and I was hankering to get out on this court again and put on a show," Hewitt said.
From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2013
She was hankering for many things, she scarcely knew what.
From Animal Heroes by Ernest Thompson Seton
