Looking for the meaning of the word NEED in English for both noun and verb forms from the Oxford Dictionary? Below, you can explore all possible meanings and definitions of NEED with sentence examples. You can also use the “AUDIO PRONUNCIATION” track to check the correct pronunciation in British English.
Word: Need
Speech Type: Verb
Old English nēodian (verb), nēod, nēd (noun), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch nood and German Not ‘danger’
niːd
require (something) because it is essential or very important rather than just desirable
Short Definition:require something essential
Examples:- I need help now
- this shirt needs washing
- they need to win tomorrow
- I won't detain you for longer than I need
expressing necessity or obligation
Short Definition:expressing necessity or obligation
Examples:- need I say more?
- all you need bring are sheets
- I need not have worried
be necessary
Short Definition:be necessary
Examples:- lest you, even more than needs, embitter our parting
Word: Need
Speech Type: Noun
niːd
circumstances in which something is necessary; necessity
Short Definition:circumstances in which something is necessary
Examples:- the basic human need for food
- there's no need to cry
a thing that is wanted or required
Short Definition:thing that is needed
Examples:- his day-to-day needs
the state of requiring help, or of lacking basic necessities such as food
Short Definition:state of requiring help
Examples:- help us in our hour of need
- children in need
In Word Games
Scramble Word Scores
Words with Friends
✅ Available
Score: 6
SOWPODS
✅ Available
Score: 5
OTCWL
✅ Available
Score: 5
