Feeling hungry is something we all know. It can happen before lunch, after a long day at school, or when we smell something tasty. But instead of just saying “I’m hungry,” people sometimes use similes to make it more fun or clear. Similes use the words “like” or “as” to compare one thing to another. They help make what we say more interesting.
For example, someone might say, “I’m as hungry as a bear,” to show they really want to eat. These kinds of sayings paint a picture in our minds. In this article, we will look at the similes people use when they are hungry. You’ll see what each one means and how to use them. Let’s get started!
Similes for Hungry
1. As hungry as a bear
Meaning: Very hungry
Within a Sentence: After soccer practice, I was as hungry as a bear. / He ate dinner like he was as hungry as a bear.
In Other Words: I needed a big meal. / He felt like he hadn’t eaten in days.
2. Hungry like a wolf
Meaning: Extremely hungry
Within a Sentence: She was hungry like a wolf after the field trip. / He came in hungry like a wolf.
In Other Words: She couldn’t wait to eat. / He was starving.
3. As empty as a drum
Meaning: Feeling like your stomach is completely empty
Within a Sentence: My stomach was as empty as a drum by lunchtime. / It felt as empty as a drum before breakfast.
In Other Words: I needed food badly. / I hadn’t eaten in a while.
4. Like a bottomless pit
Meaning: Always hungry, never full
Within a Sentence: My brother eats like a bottomless pit. / She kept snacking like a bottomless pit.
In Other Words: He never seems full. / She keeps eating.
5. As hungry as a lion
Meaning: Strong, powerful hunger
Within a Sentence: I was as hungry as a lion after gym class. / He looked as hungry as a lion.
In Other Words: I could eat a lot. / He needed food fast.
6. Hungry like a horse
Meaning: Very large appetite
Within a Sentence: After recess, I was hungry like a horse. / She said she felt hungry like a horse.
In Other Words: I wanted a big meal. / She needed food quickly.
7. As starved as a stray cat
Meaning: Looking and feeling very hungry
Within a Sentence: He looked as starved as a stray cat. / I felt as starved as a stray cat by dinner.
In Other Words: He was very hungry. / I hadn’t eaten for hours.
8. Like I could eat a mountain
Meaning: Feeling like you can eat a lot
Within a Sentence: I was so hungry I felt like I could eat a mountain. / She said she could eat a mountain.
In Other Words: I wanted tons of food. / She was very hungry.
9. As hungry as a shark
Meaning: Intense, focused hunger
Within a Sentence: He was as hungry as a shark circling food. / She swam then felt as hungry as a shark.
In Other Words: He needed food badly. / She couldn’t wait to eat.
10. Like my stomach was growling like a dog
Meaning: Stomach making noises because of hunger
Within a Sentence: My stomach was growling like a dog waiting for food. / I said my belly was barking.
In Other Words: My stomach was loud. / I really needed to eat.
11. As hungry as a giant
Meaning: Very hungry
Within a Sentence: I felt as hungry as a giant after skipping breakfast. / He ate like a giant.
In Other Words: I was starving. / He needed a lot of food.
12. Like I hadn’t eaten in years
Meaning: Extreme hunger
Within a Sentence: I was so hungry, it felt like I hadn’t eaten in years. / She said it was like years since lunch.
In Other Words: I was super hungry. / She couldn’t wait for food.
13. As empty as a hollow tree
Meaning: Completely empty inside
Within a Sentence: My stomach felt as empty as a hollow tree. / His belly was like a hollow tree.
In Other Words: I was really hungry. / He needed food fast.
14. Like a kid in a candy store
Meaning: Excited and ready to eat
Within a Sentence: I was like a kid in a candy store at the buffet. / She smiled like a kid in a candy store.
In Other Words: I was excited to eat. / She wanted to eat everything.
15. As hungry as a raccoon in a trash can
Meaning: Looking for food everywhere
Within a Sentence: He was as hungry as a raccoon in a trash can. / I searched the kitchen like a raccoon.
In Other Words: He needed food badly. / I looked for snacks.
16. Like a tornado through snacks
Meaning: Eating fast and wildly
Within a Sentence: He went through the chips like a tornado. / I was like a tornado in the pantry.
In Other Words: He ate quickly. / I grabbed everything fast.
17. As hungry as a lumberjack
Meaning: Big appetite from hard work
Within a Sentence: After helping Dad, I was as hungry as a lumberjack. / She was as hungry as a lumberjack after chores.
In Other Words: I worked hard and got hungry. / She earned her meal.
18. Like a sponge soaking up soup
Meaning: Absorbing food quickly
Within a Sentence: I ate my stew like a sponge, soaking it up. / She ate her cereal like a sponge.
In Other Words: I ate fast. / She was really hungry.
19. As hungry as a vacuum
Meaning: Eating up everything
Within a Sentence: He was as hungry as a vacuum at the dinner table. / She vacuumed up her food.
In Other Words: He ate it all. / She didn’t leave anything.
20. Like a balloon with no air
Meaning: Feeling very empty
Within a Sentence: I felt like a balloon with no air before lunch. / His belly was like an empty balloon.
In Other Words: I needed food. / He felt flat inside.
21. As hungry as a pack of wolves
Meaning: Very hungry, like a group that wants food badly
Within a Sentence: We were as hungry as a pack of wolves after the hike. / The boys came in as hungry as a pack of wolves.
In Other Words: We wanted food right away. / They were starving.
22. Like a bear after hibernation
Meaning: Very hungry after a long time without food
Within a Sentence: I was like a bear after hibernation when I woke up. / She ate like a bear coming out of hibernation.
In Other Words: I hadn’t eaten in hours. / She was very hungry.
23. As hollow as a cave
Meaning: Completely empty inside
Within a Sentence: My stomach felt as hollow as a cave. / His belly was as hollow as a cave.
In Other Words: I was really hungry. / He had no food in his belly.
24. Like popcorn popping in my stomach
Meaning: Stomach making noises from hunger
Within a Sentence: My tummy was like popcorn popping before lunch. / It felt like popcorn in my stomach.
In Other Words: My belly was noisy. / I needed food.
25. As hungry as a construction worker
Meaning: Having a big appetite after working hard
Within a Sentence: After cleaning the garage, I was as hungry as a construction worker. / She was as hungry as a worker at lunch break.
In Other Words: I needed a big meal. / She worked up an appetite.
26. Like I could eat the whole kitchen
Meaning: Feeling like you could eat a huge amount
Within a Sentence: I was so hungry, I felt like I could eat the whole kitchen. / He said he could eat everything in sight.
In Other Words: I needed lots of food. / He was starving.
27. As hungry as a teenager after school
Meaning: Very hungry at the end of the day
Within a Sentence: He came home as hungry as a teenager after school. / I felt like a teen who missed lunch.
In Other Words: He needed a snack right away. / I felt very empty.
28. Like my tummy was doing flips
Meaning: Stomach feeling strange from hunger
Within a Sentence: My tummy was doing flips before dinner. / It felt weird, like a roller coaster.
In Other Words: I was really hungry. / My stomach didn’t feel good.
29. As hungry as a bird at dawn
Meaning: Early hunger, wanting to eat first thing
Within a Sentence: I woke up as hungry as a bird at dawn. / He was hungry like a bird waiting to eat.
In Other Words: I needed breakfast right away. / He wanted food early.
30. Like my belly was a drum set
Meaning: Stomach makes loud noises from hunger
Within a Sentence: My belly sounded like a drum set in class. / She heard my tummy drumming.
In Other Words: I was super hungry. / My stomach was loud.
31. As hungry as a pig at feeding time
Meaning: Really ready to eat
Within a Sentence: He was as hungry as a pig at feeding time. / I ran to the table like a hungry pig.
In Other Words: He couldn’t wait to eat. / I wanted food badly.
32. Like a snowplow through mashed potatoes
Meaning: Eating fast and messy
Within a Sentence: I ate like a snowplow through mashed potatoes. / She cleared her plate fast.
In Other Words: I ate quickly. / She didn’t leave anything.
33. As empty as a school hallway at night
Meaning: Very quiet and empty
Within a Sentence: My stomach felt as empty as a school hallway at night. / He said it was completely empty inside.
In Other Words: I was really hungry. / He had no food in him.
34. Like my belly was crying
Meaning: Feeling sad and hungry
Within a Sentence: My belly was crying for food. / She said her stomach was crying out.
In Other Words: I was super hungry. / She needed food right away.
35. As hungry as a farmer at harvest
Meaning: Big appetite from lots of work
Within a Sentence: After helping at the farm, I was as hungry as a farmer at harvest. / He said he worked up a hunger.
In Other Words: I earned a big meal. / He was very hungry.
36. Like a fox in a chicken coop
Meaning: Ready to grab and eat everything
Within a Sentence: I felt like a fox in a chicken coop at dinner. / She looked ready to eat it all.
In Other Words: I was excited to eat. / She had a huge appetite.
37. As hungry as a dog watching bacon
Meaning: Craving something delicious
Within a Sentence: I was as hungry as a dog watching bacon cook. / He stared at the food like a hungry dog.
In Other Words: I really wanted that meal. / He couldn’t wait.
38. Like ants at a picnic
Meaning: Going after food quickly
Within a Sentence: We moved like ants at a picnic when we saw the cake. / Everyone rushed like ants.
In Other Words: We wanted food fast. / It didn’t last long.
39. As hungry as a sea lion after swimming
Meaning: Tired and ready to eat
Within a Sentence: I was as hungry as a sea lion after swimming laps. / She needed food right after swim class.
In Other Words: I was worn out and starving. / She needed energy.
40. Like my tummy was yelling at me
Meaning: Feeling strong hunger
Within a Sentence: My tummy was yelling at me in the middle of class. / It wouldn’t stop growling.
In Other Words: I really needed to eat. / I was starving.
41. As hungry as a cow in a grass field
Meaning: Ready to eat as soon as possible
Within a Sentence: I was as hungry as a cow in a grass field. / He looked at dinner like a cow ready to munch.
In Other Words: I needed food badly. / He was very hungry.
42. Like a lion eyeing its dinner
Meaning: Focused and craving food
Within a Sentence: I stared at the pizza like a lion eyeing its dinner. / She was like a lion waiting to pounce.
In Other Words: I really wanted to eat. / She was ready for food.
43. As empty as a lunchbox after school
Meaning: Totally empty from being used
Within a Sentence: My belly felt as empty as a lunchbox after school. / His stomach was as empty as a used lunchbox.
In Other Words: I was starving. / He hadn’t eaten in a while.
44. Like a race car out of gas
Meaning: Out of energy and needing food
Within a Sentence: I felt like a racecar out of gas after gym. / She said she needed food to keep going.
In Other Words: I was very tired and hungry. / She needed fuel.
45. As hungry as a kid in a pizza place
Meaning: Wanting food badly
Within a Sentence: He was as hungry as a kid in a pizza place. / I couldn’t stop looking at the slices.
In Other Words: He really wanted to eat. / I was craving pizza.
46. Like a fire gobbling wood
Meaning: Eating fast and without stopping
Within a Sentence: I ate my dinner like a fire gobbling wood. / She kept going back for more.
In Other Words: I ate fast. / She was very hungry.
47. As hungry as a camel after a long walk
Meaning: Really needing food or drink
Within a Sentence: I was as hungry as a camel after a walk in the sun. / He said he felt like a tired camel.
In Other Words: I needed food fast. / He was very hungry.
48. Like a pencil needing to be sharpened
Meaning: Worn out and needing fuel
Within a Sentence: I felt like a pencil needing to be sharpened. / She said her belly needed a boost.
In Other Words: I needed energy. / She wanted food.
49. As hungry as a fish chasing bait
Meaning: Ready to grab food
Within a Sentence: I was as hungry as a fish chasing bait. / He moved quickly when food was served.
In Other Words: I was excited to eat. / He needed it fast.
50. Like a frog catching flies
Meaning: Quick and ready to eat
Within a Sentence: I grabbed my snack like a frog catching flies. / She didn’t wait at all.
In Other Words: I was fast. / She was very hungry.
51. As hungry as a bee after flying
Meaning: Tired and needing food
Within a Sentence: After the run, I was as hungry as a bee after flying all day. / He buzzed toward the snacks.
In Other Words: I really needed food. / He was hungry and tired.
52. Like a train that needs fuel
Meaning: Low on energy and needing food
Within a Sentence: I felt like a train that needs fuel. / She couldn’t wait to refuel at dinner.
In Other Words: I was tired and hungry. / She needed food badly.
53. As empty as a movie theater in the morning
Meaning: Completely empty
Within a Sentence: My stomach was as empty as a movie theater in the morning. / He said nothing was inside.
In Other Words: I was really hungry. / He had not eaten yet.
54. Like a duck diving for food
Meaning: Moving quickly for something to eat
Within a Sentence: I grabbed my sandwich like a duck diving for food. / She snatched a cookie fast.
In Other Words: I ate quickly. / She wanted it badly.
55. As hungry as a squirrel in fall
Meaning: Looking for lots of food
Within a Sentence: I felt as hungry as a squirrel in fall. / He packed his plate like a squirrel stores nuts.
In Other Words: I wanted to eat a lot. / He was preparing to eat plenty.
56. Like a magnet to the fridge
Meaning: Drawn to food
Within a Sentence: I was like a magnet to the fridge after school. / She opened the fridge right away.
In Other Words: I couldn’t stay away from food. / She was super hungry.
57. As hungry as a hiker at the top
Meaning: Big appetite after working hard
Within a Sentence: After the hike, I was as hungry as a hiker at the top. / He sat down ready to eat.
In Other Words: I was very hungry. / He needed a big meal.
58. Like a jack-o’-lantern without a candle
Meaning: Feeling empty inside
Within a Sentence: My tummy felt like a jack-o’-lantern without a candle. / She said she had nothing inside.
In Other Words: I was really hungry. / She hadn’t eaten in a while.
59. As hungry as a pancake at breakfast
Meaning: Wanting to eat quickly
Within a Sentence: I was as hungry as a pancake waiting on the plate. / He didn’t wait for syrup.
In Other Words: I needed food fast. / He started eating right away.
60. Like a puppy waiting for treats
Meaning: Eager to get food
Within a Sentence: I stood by the oven like a puppy waiting for treats. / She watched the cookies bake closely.
In Other Words: I was excited for food. / She couldn’t wait to eat.
Similes for Hungry – True/False Quiz
Instructions: Read each sentence and decide if it correctly shows a simile for being hungry. Answer with True or False.
- Saying “I’m as hungry as a bear” means you are not hungry at all.
- “My stomach was growling like a dog” means you were very hungry.
- “I felt like a racecar out of gas” means you had eaten too much.
- “He ate like a tornado through snacks” means he ate fast and a lot.
- “Her belly was like a jack-o’-lantern without a candle” shows she felt full.
- “We were like ants at a picnic” means the group rushed for food.
- “As hungry as a cow in a field” shows someone is ready to eat.
- “Like a fire gobbling wood” means eating slowly and carefully.
- “He looked like a lion eyeing its dinner” means he wasn’t paying attention to food.
- “My tummy was doing flips” means your stomach felt weird from being hungry.
- “She was as hungry as a pancake at breakfast” means she wasn’t hungry.
- “I stood like a puppy waiting for treats” shows you were excited for food.
- “Like a train that needs fuel” means the person was full and sleepy.
- “Her belly was a bottomless pit” means she kept eating and didn’t feel full.
- “He ate like a duck diving for food” means he didn’t want any food.
Answer Key
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
Scoring Guide
- 15 Correct Answers: Similes Master!
- 10–14 Correct Answers: You really get similes, nice work!
- 6–9 Correct Answers: You’re learning, keep going!
- 0–5 Correct Answers: Let’s learn about similes together!
Conclusion
Similes help us say things in a fun and clear way. Instead of just saying “I’m hungry,” we can compare our hunger to animals, machines, or funny situations. These phrases make our thoughts more interesting and easy to picture.
Next time you feel hungry, try using one of these similes. They can help you describe your feelings in a smart and playful way. Keep using similes and you’ll become a better speaker and writer.
