eating spree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eating spree" is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a period of time when someone or something is eating a large (and often excessive) amount of food. For example: After a long day at work, I decided to go on an eating spree and ordered enough food for five people.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Now she was thirty-six and in one eating spree had become a vile sack of fat and rot.

The New Yorker

I have to admit that my own confidence in the credibility of the "Survivor" game faded when one of the skeletal players was filmed on a special prize eating spree, drinking Bud Lite.

The New York Times

8 P.M. (Cooking) EDEN EATS Eden Grinshpan embarks on a 24-hour eating spree through Austin, Tex., where she enters a variety of kitchens to discover how people from around the globe have recreated their lives through food.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Tromping about in a camouflage costume and toting a 12-gauge double-barreled shotgun that shrieked "I am not a merlot-loving, brie-eating, chatelaine-marrying dilettante," the Democratic nominee emerged from his shooting spree with three fellow hunters proclaiming, "Everybody got one, everybody got one," showing off a hand stained with goose blood.

The New York Times

Keep eating".

The New York Times - Arts

EATING Lucky landing peanuts.

The New York Times

"I'm eating cake".

The New Yorker

End the spending spree.

The Economist

Spree love.

The New York Times - Sports

Spree again.

The New York Times - Sports

EATING Really good dark chocolate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eating spree" to describe a short period of excessive eating, often driven by emotion or celebration. Avoid using it for regular eating habits.

Common error

Be careful not to use "eating spree" when you simply mean someone has a large appetite. "Eating spree" implies an out-of-the-ordinary, excessive indulgence, not a consistent dietary pattern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eating spree" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence, describing an event or activity. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "eating spree" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a short period of excessive eating. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for describing a temporary deviation from normal eating habits. While the phrase is valid and understood, it appears with rare frequency, predominantly in news and media contexts. It’s important to distinguish it from simply having a "healthy appetite", as "eating spree" implies a more uncontrolled and unusual indulgence. When seeking alternative phrasing, consider options such as "binge eating" or "food binge" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

binge eating

Focuses more on the psychological aspect of uncontrolled eating, often associated with eating disorders.

food binge

Similar to binge eating, but less clinical and more focused on the large quantity of food consumed.

gorging

Emphasizes the act of consuming a large amount of food quickly and greedily.

pig out

An informal and often lighthearted term for eating a large amount of food.

stuff oneself

Implies eating until one is uncomfortably full.

feast

Suggests a large and elaborate meal, though not necessarily excessive.

indulge in food

Highlights the pleasure and enjoyment derived from eating, often rich or decadent foods.

overeating episode

A more clinical and descriptive term for an instance of eating beyond normal limits.

consumption frenzy

Emphasizes the uncontrolled and rapid consumption of food.

massive meal

Simply refers to a very large quantity of food consumed in one sitting.

FAQs

How can I use "eating spree" in a sentence?

You can use "eating spree" to describe a period of excessive eating, often unplanned. For example, "After the diet, she went on an eating spree".

What's a good alternative to "eating spree"?

Depending on the context, you could use "binge eating", "food binge", or "gorging" as alternatives.

Is "eating spree" a formal term?

No, "eating spree" is generally considered an informal term. More formal alternatives might include "episode of overeating" or "period of excessive consumption".

What is the difference between "eating spree" and "healthy appetite"?

"Eating spree" implies a short, uncontrolled period of overeating, while a "healthy appetite" refers to a consistently large, but not necessarily excessive, desire for food.