Craving: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe a strong desire for food or specific substances. It often implies a sudden and intense need.

• She had a craving for chocolate late at night.
• During her pregnancy, she developed a craving for pickles.

A broad term used for wanting something or someone, often associated with emotions, ambitions, or wishes. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the situation.

• He had a desire to travel the world.
• Her desire to succeed drove her to work hard.

Describes a deep, often melancholic desire for something, especially something that is unattainable or far away. It usually carries an emotional and wistful tone.

• She felt a longing for the days of her childhood.
• He had a deep longing to see his hometown again.

Implies a strong, immediate compulsion to act, often impulsive and sometimes fleeting. It can carry a slightly negative connotation if it suggests an uncontrollable or inappropriate action.

• He fought the urge to check his phone during the meeting.
• She had an urge to shout in joy.

Usually refers to the physical need for food but can also be used metaphorically to describe a strong need for something non-physical, such as success or knowledge.

• His hunger for knowledge was insatiable.
• After the long hike, they felt an intense hunger.

This is typically used to describe a strong desire or urge for food or a specific item. It often has a sense of urgency and intensity.

• She had a sudden craving for chocolate
• He couldn't resist his craving for pizza

Yearn is used to describe a deep emotional desire, often combined with a sense of melancholy or incompletion. It can be used for both physical things and abstract concepts like freedom or happiness.

• She yearned for freedom
• They yearned to be together despite the distance

Long is used to express a deep and sustained desire for something, often something that is not easily attainable. It can refer to both tangible and intangible things.

• They longed for peace after years of conflict
• She longed to see her family again

This word is more informal and is used to describe a strong desire for something, often something that you've been thinking about for a while. It can also refer to a nostalgic or sentimental longing.

• He's been hankering for a trip to the mountains for years
• She hankered for the good old days of her childhood

Used to express a deep emotional yearning, often with a sense of sorrow or melancholy. It typically refers to a desire for something or someone that is lost or unattainable.

• He pined for his lost love
• She pined away during the long winter months