1.
starving; very hungry; famished
A casual, somewhat childlike expression for being extremely hungry. Often used lightheartedly.
もう腹ぺこだ！
I'm starving!
Usage
腹ぺこ is a casual, playful way to say "very hungry." It is common in everyday speech and children's language. The famous children's book "はらぺこあおむし" (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) uses this word.
Common collocations
Similar words
お腹がすいた is the standard way to say "I'm hungry." 腹ぺこ is more emphatic and informal, expressing extreme hunger in a lighthearted way. 空腹 is the formal equivalent.