Dictionary

covetous

adjective cov·et·ous \ˈkə-və-təs\

: feeling or showing a very strong desire for something that you do not have and especially for something that belongs to someone else

Full Definition of COVETOUS

1
:  marked by inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another's possessions
2
:  having a craving for possession <covetous of power>
cov·et·ous·ly adverb
cov·et·ous·ness noun
ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of COVETOUS

13th century

Synonym Discussion of COVETOUS

covetous, greedy, acquisitive, grasping, avaricious mean having or showing a strong desire for especially material possessions. covetous implies inordinate desire often for another's possessions <covetous of his brother's country estate>. greedy stresses lack of restraint and often of discrimination in desire <greedy for status symbols>. acquisitive implies both eagerness to possess and ability to acquire and keep <an eagerly acquisitive mind>. grasping adds to covetous and greedy an implication of selfishness and often suggests unfair or ruthless means <a hard grasping trader who cheated the natives>. avaricious implies obsessive acquisitiveness especially of money and strongly suggests stinginess <an avaricious miser>.
COVETOUS Defined for Kids

covetous

adjective cov·et·ous \ˈkə-vət-əs\

Definition of COVETOUS for Kids

:  having or showing too much desire for wealth or possessions or for something belonging to another person

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: coveyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: covetivenessAll Words Near: covetous
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears