hanker

[ hang-ker ]

verb (used without object)

1. to have a restless or incessant longing (often followed by after, for, or an infinitive).

hanker

/ ˈhæŋkə /

verb

1. foll byfor, after, or an infinitive to have a yearning (for something or to do something)

Derived Forms

• ˈhankering, noun

Other Words From

• hanker·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hanker¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from early Dutch dialect hankeren (cognate with Dutch hunkeren ), frequentative of hangen “to hang”; hang

Word History and Origins

Origin of hanker¹

C17: probably from Dutch dialect hankeren

Synonym Study

See yearn.

Example Sentences

If you’re still hankering to go outdoors, try these trails that are far away from the burned areas.

From Los Angeles Times

If you find yourself hankering to hang a framed photo or light a candle inside your fridge, it may be time to get help.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet for more than a decade, Hovde, 60, has had a hankering to hold political office.

From Los Angeles Times

Intelligence officials have repeatedly made clear they hanker after the same generative AI tools that promise to revolutionize swaths of business and modernize economies.

From Seattle Times

“I suddenly got a hankering for meat. You either give me a house or pay me with your bones!”

From Literature

Related Words

• crave
• itch
• yearn