First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
greedy
adjective \ˈgrē-dē\
: having or showing a selfish desire to have more of something (such as money or food) : having greed
: very eager to have something
greed·i·ergreed·i·est
Full Definition of GREEDY
1
: having a strong desire for food or drink
2
: marked by greed : having or showing a selfish desire for wealth and possessions
3
— greed·i·ly \ˈgrē-də-lē\ adverb
— greed·i·ness \ˈgrē-dē-nəs\ noun
See greedy defined for English-language learners
See greedy defined for kids
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Origin of GREEDY
Middle English gredy, from Old English grǣdig; akin to Old High German grātac greedy
Related to GREEDY
- Synonyms
- acquisitive, avaricious, avid, coveting, covetous, grabby, grasping, mercenary, moneygrubbing, rapacious
- Antonyms
- apathetic, indifferent, uneager, unenthusiastic
Synonym Discussion of GREEDY
covetous, greedy, acquisitive, grasping, avaricious mean having or showing a strong desire for especially material possessions. covetous implies inordinate desire often for another's possessions <covetous of his brother's country estate>. greedy stresses lack of restraint and often of discrimination in desire <greedy for status symbols>. acquisitive implies both eagerness to possess and ability to acquire and keep <an eagerly acquisitive mind>. grasping adds to covetous and greedy an implication of selfishness and often suggests unfair or ruthless means <a hard grasping trader who cheated the natives>. avaricious implies obsessive acquisitiveness especially of money and strongly suggests stinginess <an avaricious miser>.
GREEDIEST Defined for Kids
greedy
adjective \ˈgrē-dē\
greed·i·ergreed·i·est
Definition of GREEDY for Kids
1
: having or showing a selfish desire for more than is needed
2
: having a strong appetite for food or drink : very hungry
3
: very eager to have something <She's greedy for power.>
— greed·i·ly \ˈgrē-də-lē\ adverb
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