Covet Definition & Meaning

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    • Synonyms covet American [kuhv-it] / ˈkʌv ɪt /

    verb (used with object)

    1. to desire wrongfully, inordinately, or without due regard for the rights of others.

      to covet another's property.

      Antonyms: renounce

    2. to wish for, especially eagerly.

      He won the prize they all coveted.

    verb (used without object)

    1. to have an inordinate or wrongful desire.

    covet British / ˈkʌvɪt /

    verb

    1. to wish, long, or crave for (something, esp the property of another person)

    "Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

    Related Words

    See envy.

    Other Word Forms

    • covetable adjective
    • coveter noun
    • covetingly adverb
    • uncoveting adjective

    Etymology

    Origin of covet

    First recorded in 1325–1350; Middle English coveiten, from Anglo-French coveiter, Old French coveit(i)er, from unattested Vulgar Latin cupiditāre, verbal derivative of Latin cupiditās cupidity

    Example Sentences

    Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

    Fresh off a knockout role in “Babygirl” and being signed to play a Beatle, Harris Dickinson’s “Urchin” also scored a coveted spot at the same festival.

    From Salon

    The state’s longstanding vocational high-school system has become a coveted pathway for students.

    From The Wall Street Journal

    Denver will finish top seed with a win but if they lose then New England or even the Jaguars could pinch that coveted top spot.

    From BBC

    Erivo has won rave reviews for her reprised role, so if she nabs a best Oscar win come March, and the coveted EGOT, it will be the cherry on the icing on the cake.

    From BBC

    Sam’s Club had long struggled to break away from Walmart’s budget reputation, making it difficult to reach coveted upscale shoppers.

    From The Wall Street Journal

    Related Words

    • crave
    • envy
    • lust after

    Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

    Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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