crave
krayv
Crave (verb) means to have an intense desire for something, especially food, comfort, or attention. Example: “She craved chocolate every afternoon during her pregnancy.”
verb
1
To have an intense desire for something, especially food, comfort, or attention.
"She craved chocolate every afternoon during her pregnancy."
"After months alone, he craved conversation with another person."
2
Formal: to ask for something earnestly, especially from someone with authority.
"The petitioner craved the court's indulgence for a short delay."
How to use crave
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo want something very badly, often food or attention.
Common pairings
crave attention
crave sugar
crave affection
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Word forms
- Plural
- craves
- Third person singular
- craves
- Past tense
- craved
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ chocolate every afternoon during her pregnancy.
Etymology
From Old English crafian, "to demand or beg" — the sense softened over time from a formal demand to a strong personal desire.
Related words
Rhymes for crave
See all rhymes for crave →Frequently asked questions
What does “crave” mean?
The word “crave” means to have an intense desire for something, especially food, comfort, or attention. In plain terms, to want something very badly, often food or attention.
How do you pronounce “crave”?
“Crave” is pronounced krayv (/kɹeɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “crave” in a sentence?
Here is “crave” used in a sentence: “She craved chocolate every afternoon during her pregnancy.”
What part of speech is “crave”?
“Crave” is a verb.
Where does the word “crave” come from?
The word “crave” comes from Old English. From Old English crafian, "to demand or beg" — the sense softened over time from a formal demand to a strong personal desire.
Is “crave” a common word?
“Crave” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “crave” have?
“Crave” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to have an intense desire for something, especially food, comfort, or attention.
