The meaning of NEED is necessary duty : obligation. How to use need in a sentence.

We can use main verb need as an alternative to semi-modal need. Main verb need is followed by to and it changes with person, number and tense (I, you, we, they need to; she, he, it needs to; I, you, she, …

When used as a main verb, need agrees with its subject, takes to before the verb following it, and combines with do in questions, negations, and certain other constructions: He needs to go. Does he …

A need is something essential: people need food, water, and shelter. When you lack them, you're in need.

Need, necessity imply a want, a lack, or a demand, which must be filled.

Apr 26, 2026 · need (third-person singular simple present needs, present participle needing, simple past and past participle needed) Living things need water to survive. You do not always need to go to the …

Definition of need verb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.