First Known Use: 1627
Dictionary
hanker
verb han·ker \ˈhaŋ-kər\
: to have a strong or constant desire for something
han·keredhan·ker·ing \-k(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of HANKER
intransitive verb
: to have a strong or persistent desire : yearn —often used with for or after
— han·ker·er \-kər-ər\ noun
See hanker defined for English-language learners
See hanker defined for kids
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Origin of HANKER
probably from Dutch dialect hankeren
Synonym Discussion of HANKER
long, yearn, hanker, pine, hunger, thirst mean to have a strong desire for something. long implies a wishing with one's whole heart and often a striving to attain <longed for some rest>. yearn suggests an eager, restless, or painful longing <yearned for a stage career>. hanker suggests the uneasy promptings of unsatisfied appetite or desire <always hankering for money>. pine implies a languishing or a fruitless longing for what is impossible <pined for a lost love>. hunger and thirst imply an insistent or impatient craving or a compelling need <hungered for a business of his own> <thirsted for power>.
HANKER Defined for Kids
hanker
verb han·ker \ˈhaŋ-kər\
han·keredhan·ker·ing
Definition of HANKER for Kids
: to have a great desire <I'm hankering for chocolate.>
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