Dictionary

greedy

adjective \ˈgrē-dē\

: having or showing a selfish desire to have more of something (such as money or food) : having greed

: very eager to have something

greed·i·ergreed·i·est

Full Definition of GREEDY

1
:  having a strong desire for food or drink
2
:  marked by greed :  having or showing a selfish desire for wealth and possessions
3
:  eager, keen <greedy for fame>
greed·i·ly \ˈgrē-də-lē\ adverb
greed·i·ness \ˈgrē-dē-nəs\ noun
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of GREEDY

Middle English gredy, from Old English grǣdig; akin to Old High German grātac greedy
First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of GREEDY

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>.

Rhymes with GREEDY

GREEDY Defined for Kids

greedy

adjective \ˈgrē-dē\
greed·i·ergreed·i·est

Definition of GREEDY for Kids

1
:  having or showing a selfish desire for more than is needed
2
:  having a strong appetite for food or drink :  very hungry
3
:  very eager to have something <She's greedy for power.>
greed·i·ly \ˈgrē-də-lē\ adverb

Browse

2 ENTRIES FOUND:
Next Word in the Dictionary: greedy scalePrevious Word in the Dictionary: greedAll Words Near: greedy
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