To crave means to want something intensely, with a powerful desire that's hard to ignore. When you crave something, you feel a strong, almost demanding pull toward it, as if your body or mind insists on having it.

People often crave specific foods. After a long day at school, you might crave your mom's homemade pizza, or on a hot afternoon, you might crave a cold glass of lemonade. These cravings feel different from ordinary hunger because you want that particular thing, not just any food.

You can also crave experiences or feelings. An athlete might crave victory after months of training. A shy student who finally makes friends might crave their company and feel lonely without them. Someone who loves adventure might crave excitement and new experiences.

The word suggests an urgent, persistent desire. If you merely want something, you can take it or leave it. But when you crave it, that wanting stays with you, tugging at your thoughts until you satisfy it or find something else to focus on.