expression, godan verb (-ru)
get a little hungry; get a bit peckish
Casual expression for mild hunger, often between meals. Literally 'one's small stomach gets empty'.
See also: 腹が減る
昼食までまだ時間があるけど、小腹が減ったな。
There's still time until lunch, but I'm getting a little hungry.
I'm a bit peckish, so let's have a rice ball or something.