famished

adjective

fam·​ished ˈfa-misht How to pronounce famished (audio)
Synonyms of famished
1
: suffering extreme hunger
… described famished people walking long distances … to escape from drought and violence …—Emma Farge and Abdi Sheikh
also : needy sense 1
2
: very hungry
… famished students looking for an affordable, filling lunch …—Anna Domownik

Synonyms of famished

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Examples of famished in a Sentence

What's for supper? I'm famished. after a full day of skiing, I was feeling absolutely famished
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The fan base is well past famished for a seventh. — Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026 This postseason play feels like a treat for famished Pats fans, eager to keep the momentum going. — Juli McDonald, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026 The famished can enjoy acai bowls, smoothies, toasts (avocado or almond butter and jam), sandwiches, pastries and wraps. — Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 2026 The Grimm Brothers fairy tale follows a pair of famished siblings who get lost in the woods and entrapped by a child-eating witch, after stumbling upon her cottage made of candy. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for famished

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of famished was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Famished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/famished. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on famished

Nglish: Translation of famished for Spanish Speakers

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