1
a
: the part of an area that lies at the boundary
b(1)
: a point that marks the extent of something
(2)
: the point where something ceases to exist
world without end
c
: the extreme or last part lengthwise : tip
d
: the terminal unit of something spatial that is marked off by units
e
: a player stationed at the extremity of a line or team (as in football)
2
a
: cessation of a course of action, pursuit, or activity
b
: death, destruction
3
: something incomplete, fragmentary, or undersized : remnant
4
a
: an outcome worked toward : purpose
the end of poetry is to be poetry—R. P. Warren
b
: the object by virtue of or for the sake of which an event takes place
5
a
: a share in an undertaking
kept your end up
b
: a particular operation or aspect of an undertaking or organization
the sales end of the business
6
: something that is extreme : ultimate
—used with the
7
: a period of action or turn in any of various sports events (such as archery or lawn bowling)
ended; ending; ends
1
a
: to bring to an end
b
: destroy
2
: to make up the end of
a wedding scene ends the film
1
a
: to come to an end
the meeting will end at noon
b
: to reach a specified ultimate rank, situation, or place
—usually used with up
ended up as a colonel
2
: die
ended; ending; ends
variants
or endo-
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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