Search Dictionary
Definition of ravenous

ravenous

/ˈræv.ən.əs/
rav · en · ous
Adverb:ravenously
JUMP TO:

ravenous Lexical Profile

ravenous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Extremely hungry; famished or voracious.

Example

"After hiking for six hours in the brisk mountain air, the campers were completely ravenous by dinnertime."

2

Intensely eager or greedy for gratification, satisfaction, or acquisition.

Example

"As a young student, she had a ravenous appetite for classic literature and historical biographies."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ravenous
Antonyms
View all antonyms for ravenous

Word Nuance & Usage

Although spelled similarly, 'ravenous' is etymologically unrelated to the bird 'raven'; rather, it derives from an Old French root meaning to plunder or seize by force.

• Nearby Words

raven
raven cliff
raven cliff falls
ravenous
ravenously
raver
ravi

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'ravinos' (impetuous, violent), from 'ravine' (a rush of water, plunder, rapine), ultimately from Latin 'rapina' (plunder) and 'rapere' (to seize).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ravenous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ravenous
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.