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Definition of starving

starving

/ˈstɑːrvɪŋ/
starv · ing
Adverb:starvingly
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starving Lexical Profile

starving Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Extremely hungry (used informally as hyperbole).

Example

"By the time we finished the five-mile hike, everyone was starving and ready for a big dinner."

2

Suffering or dying from severe hunger or a prolonged lack of food.

Example

"The humanitarian organization delivered emergency rations to the starving population in the drought-stricken region."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for starving

• Rhymes for starving

• Nearby Words

startup
starvation
starve
starving
stash
stasis
stat

Word Origin & Etymology

From the present participle of starve, which derives from Old English steorfan, meaning 'to die' (originally from any cause, later specialized to dying from hunger or cold).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Starving. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/starving
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