Hanker for Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To have a strong, persistent desire or longing for something, especially something you cannot have easily.
Usage & Nuances
"Hanker for" is somewhat formal or literary, not common in casual speech. Usually used for things you crave deeply over time, not simple wishes. It often appears in the pattern "hanker for/after something". Don’t confuse with 'hunger for' (stronger, more physical) or 'crave' (more common in modern English).
Example Sentences
Sometimes I hanker for a quiet afternoon alone.
basic
He hankered for the taste of home-cooked meals while abroad.
basic
Children often hanker for sweets after dinner.
basic
On rainy days, I really hanker for a big mug of hot chocolate.
natural
Lately, I've been hankering for a real adventure—maybe a road trip or something wild.
natural
After months of work, everyone hankered for a break in the countryside.
natural