What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pica
Example
The patient was diagnosed with pica after ingesting large amounts of clay. [pica: noun]
Example
Pregnant women may experience pica and crave non-food items like ice or laundry detergent. [pica: verb]
craving
Example
I have a craving for chocolate cake. [craving: noun]
Example
After quitting smoking, I still have cravings for cigarettes. [cravings: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Craving is a more common term than pica in everyday language. While pica is a relatively rare condition, craving is a common experience for many people.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between pica and craving?
Both pica and craving are used in formal and informal contexts, but pica may be more commonly used in medical or scientific settings.
