Definition of "need" in English

noun

1. (countable and uncountable) A requirement for something; something needed.

   • There's no need to speculate; we can easily find out for sure.
   • She grew irritated with his constant need for attention.
   • Our needs are not being met.
   • I've always tried to have few needs beyond food, clothing and shelter.

2. Lack of means of subsistence; poverty; indigence; destitution.

verb

1. (transitive) To have an absolute requirement for.

   • Living things need water to survive.
   • You do not always need to go to the library to study. You may use the Internet.

2. (transitive) To want strongly; to feel that one must have something.

   • After ten days of hiking, I needed a shower and a shave.

3. (modal, chiefly in the negative and interrogative) To be obliged or required (to do something).

   • I need not go if I don't want to, need I?
   • I was wondering if I need fill in more forms. - No, that's the only one you need fill out.
   • I need never have packed my set of sunglasses - it rained all day every day.

4. (intransitive) To be required; to be necessary.

5. (obsolete, transitive) To be necessary (to someone).