de·sire
di-ˈzī(-ə)r 
dē-
desired; desiring
1
: to long or hope for : exhibit or feel desire for
desire success
knew that men still desired her
2
3
obsolete
: invite
4
archaic
: to feel the loss of
: to have or feel desire
They may come if they so desire.
1
: conscious impulse (see impulse entry 1 sense 1) toward something that promises enjoyment or satisfaction in its attainment
ridding oneself of all desires
how humans process desire
2
3
: something longed or hoped for : something desired
You are my heart's desire.
4
: a usually formal request or petition for some action
at the desire of one fifth of those present—
U.S. Constitution
U.S. ConstitutionSynonyms
Examples of desire in a Sentence
Verb
He desired her approval more than anything.
The apartment has modern amenities, a great location—everything you could desire.
She knew that men still desired her.
Noun
Desire is a common theme in music and literature.
The magazine tries to attend to the needs and desires of its readers.
Both sides feel a real desire for peace.
His decisions are guided by his desire for land.
They expressed a desire to go with us.
They have a desire to have children.
a strong desire to travel around the world
He was overcome with desire for her.
Recent Examples on the Web
Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024
If so desired, it can be served in a large snifter typical of the Spanish-style gin and tonic, but in that case, only fill the glass halfway with ice, leaving plenty of room to savor the aromatics.
—Jeff Burkhart, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
The desires of the Mexican American residents for a quiet residential park have at times been at odds with other interests in the waterfront.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for desire 
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Verb
Garnish with a sprinkling of cinnamon and blueberries or raspberries if desired.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024
If so desired, it can be served in a large snifter typical of the Spanish-style gin and tonic, but in that case, only fill the glass halfway with ice, leaving plenty of room to savor the aromatics.
—Jeff Burkhart, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
These collections tap into a growing desire for togetherness, offering families a way to unite their aesthetics for Christmas morning.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
The desires of the Mexican American residents for a quiet residential park have at times been at odds with other interests in the waterfront.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for desire
Dictionary Entries Near desire
Cite this Entry
“Desire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desire. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
desire
1 of 2 verb
de·sire
di-ˈzī(ə)r
desired; desiring
1
: to long for : wish earnestly
desire wealth
desire peace
2
: to call for : express a wish for : request
the librarian desires us to return all overdue books
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