top of page
The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner
5 gold stars

4.8

Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

 Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.​​

​​​​​Amazon Best Seller:

#1 Spelling & Vocabulary.

#1 Education TOEFL & TOEIC.

#1 Slang & Idiom Reference Books.

Transform Your Vocabulary!

peckish

IPA:

How to pronounce peckish (audio)

Dictionary definition of peckish

Mildly hungry or having a slight appetite.
"After skipping breakfast, I was feeling peckish by mid-morning."

Detailed meaning of peckish

When someone is peckish, they may experience a subtle but noticeable craving for food, often characterized by a growling or rumbling stomach. It is a state of feeling slightly hungry or having the desire to eat something, usually due to the passage of time since the last meal or snack. Being peckish is often associated with a sensation of emptiness or a need for nourishment, but it is not as intense as being famished or starving. It implies a mild and manageable hunger that can be satisfied with a light meal or a small snack.

Example sentences containing peckish

1. She nibbled on a small apple to satisfy her peckishness.
2. The aroma of freshly baked cookies made me feel peckish.
3. He couldn't resist grabbing a handful of nuts when he felt peckish in the afternoon.
4. We stopped at a café for a quick snack as we were feeling peckish after the long walk.
5. I always keep a granola bar in my bag for when I get peckish during long meetings.
6. The sight of the mouthwatering pizza made us all peckish, even though we had just finished lunch.

History and etymology of peckish

The adjective 'peckish,' denoting a mild hunger or having a slight appetite, has its origins in British English slang. It derives from the word 'peck,' which originally meant to pick at or nibble food in a hesitant or cautious manner, typically seen in birds as they peck at seeds or grains. The term 'peckish' evolved from this notion of nibbling, suggesting a hunger that is not strong enough to warrant a full meal but rather a desire for a small, light snack. While 'peckish' may not have a long and intricate etymology like some other words, its origin is rooted in the simple act of pecking at food, making it a descriptive and charming word for a modest appetite.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the adjective peckish:

Try Again!

Correct!

Further usage examples of peckish

1. Whenever I study late at night, I tend to get peckish and raid the fridge.
2. She had a habit of getting peckish before bedtime and would often have a small bowl of cereal.
3. We ordered a platter of appetizers to share when we felt peckish before the main course arrived.
4. The scent of freshly popped popcorn in the movie theater made everyone feel peckish.
5. I tend to get peckish in the evenings, so I always have some fruit or yogurt as a light snack.
6. After the hike, I felt a bit peckish and grabbed a granola bar.
7. She became peckish in the afternoon and snacked on some fruit.
8. A peckish feeling made me crave a small serving of fries.
9. Feeling peckish, he ordered a bowl of soup as a starter.
10. I'm only slightly peckish, so I'll have a light salad for lunch.
11. Mid-morning, I often get peckish and reach for a yogurt.
12. The aroma of fresh bread made me feel a little peckish.
13. I became peckish while studying, so I had a handful of nuts.
14. He's always peckish before dinner and has a small snack.
15. Feeling peckish, she savored a piece of dark chocolate.
16. I didn't want a full meal; I was just a bit peckish.
17. After the gym, I'm usually peckish and grab a protein bar.
18. A peckish mood led me to make a quick sandwich.
19. Feeling peckish, he munched on carrot sticks and hummus.
20. She felt peckish during the meeting and discreetly ate a cookie.
21. I get peckish before bedtime, so I have a glass of milk.
22. When I'm peckish, I prefer a small bowl of fruit salad.
23. The kids get peckish after school and want a snack.
24. I'm only slightly peckish, so I'll have a light soup.
25. Feeling a little peckish, he had a slice of cheese and crackers.

Suffix -ish, ACT 3 (American College Testing), High School 5, Food and Drink

craving,desirous,famished,hankering,ravenous

appetitive,empty,hungry,munchy,needing,nibbly,snackish

hungry, sated, full, satisfied

eb68db_baa0097b23ef4e4daa9e178fa716e8ad.mp3

bottom of page