When you're hungry, your body is telling you it needs food. That empty, growling feeling in your stomach appears when your body has used up the energy from your last meal and needs more fuel to keep going. Being hungry is your body's way of saying “time to eat!”

The word can also describe a strong desire for something beyond food. Someone might be hungry for knowledge, eagerly reading every book they can find. An athlete might be hungry for victory, training hard and pushing through challenges to win. A student hungry for success might study extra hours and ask thoughtful questions in class. This kind of hunger means having an intense drive or ambition, a powerful wanting that motivates you to work for what you desire.

You might hear someone described as hungry in a positive way, meaning they're motivated and determined, or you might simply feel hungry and need something to eat. Either way, hunger is a signal that something is needed, whether it's food for your body or fuel for your ambitions.