English · Word Candidate

greed

/ɡɹiːd/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: greeds · greeding · greeded

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A selfish or excessive desire for more than is needed or deserved, especially of money, wealth, food, or other possessions.

Noun

Examples

His greed was his undoing.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To desire in a greedy manner, or to act on such a desire.

Verb

Examples

The ravens sit greeding, / And watching, and heeding: / Thoro' wind, over water, / Comes scent of the slaughter, / And ravens sit greeding / Their share of the bones.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “greed” mean?

A selfish or excessive desire for more than is needed or deserved, especially of money, wealth, food, or other possessions.

Is “greed” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.