Word
hankering
Meanings
a strong desire for something, especially something pleasant (often food or an activity)
a strong wish to go somewhere or do something, especially because you miss it
Definition
A hankering is a strong desire to have or do something, especially something enjoyable.
A hankering is a strong, often sudden wish for something, like a particular food or activity. It is usually less serious than a “need,” but stronger than a simple preference. People commonly use it to talk about cravings or urges that keep coming back.
Examples
- I had a hankering for spicy noodles after work.
- She felt a hankering to visit the coast again.
- They had a hankering for something sweet, so they baked cookies.
- He couldn’t shake his hankering for a long walk in the rain.
Common mistake
Learners often say “a hankering of” instead of the correct pattern “a hankering for” something.
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