lust

1 of 2

noun

ˈləst How to pronounce lust (audio)
Synonyms of lustnext
1
: usually intense or unbridled sexual desire : lasciviousness
He was motivated more by lust than by love.
2
a
: an intense longing : craving
a lust to succeed
b
: enthusiasm, eagerness
admired his lust for life
3
obsolete
a
: pleasure, delight
b
: personal inclination : wish

lust

2 of 2

verb

lusted; lusting; lusts

intransitive verb

: to have an intense desire or need : crave
specifically : to have a sexual urge

Synonyms of lust

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Noun

Verb

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Examples of lust in a Sentence

Noun He was consumed by lust. He was driven by a lust for power. Lust for chocolate drew her into the candy store. Verb I'm lusting after that new SUV
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.
Noun
The gorgeous 16-track set explores grief, passion, hope, lust and reflection across four movements, featuring a bevy of special guests, including Thundercat, Steve Lacy, DRAM, Westside Gunn, Kamasi Washington, Earl Sweatshirt and more. — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026 More midlife women are logging on in search of everything from lasting love to a little lust. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
Watcher’s Council, who lusts after a teenage Cordelia and is constantly being knocked down. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026 True to form, the story is narrated by an unscrupulous wanna-be novelist named Bret Easton Ellis (Igby Rigney), a closet case lusting away for the new hunk at his cruel prep school. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lust

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German lust pleasure and perhaps to Latin lascivus wanton

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Verb

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lust was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing lust

Rhymes for lust

See All Rhymes for lust

Browse Nearby Words

lusory
lust
luster
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lust. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

lust

1 of 2 noun
ˈləst How to pronounce lust (audio)
1
: sexual desire especially if strong or uncontrolled
2
: a strong longing : craving

lust

2 of 2 verb
: to have a strong desire : crave
especially : to have a strong sexual desire
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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