hankering

This term describes a persistent, restless longing or a strong desire for something, often something that is difficult to obtain or has been missed for a long time. It carries a more visceral, instinctive quality than a simple wish or desire, suggesting a craving that is felt physically or emotionally as a void.

In terms of register, it is slightly more informal than "yearning" or "longing" and is frequently used in colloquial speech to describe specific cravings, such as a hankering for a particular food or a childhood habit. While "yearning" often implies a deep, spiritual, or tragic loss, "hankering" can be used for both trivial desires and more significant emotional needs.