ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ 

: something that constitutes an end: such as

a

: conclusion

a movie with a happy ending

b

: one or more letters or syllables added to a word base especially in inflection

Synonyms of ending

• end
• conclusion
• finale
• closing
• culmination
• close

Examples of ending in a Sentence

I didn't like the book's ending.

Common verb endings in English are “-s,” “-ed,” and “-ing.”

You can often recognize an English adverb by its “-ly” ending.

Recent Examples on the Web

The ending of the June war between Iran and the US, with Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on a US base in Qatar, felt choreographed. —Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 1 Mar. 2026

And Harper hopes for a different ending in 2027. —Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026

The United States is also insisting that any nuclear deal between the two countries remain permanent instead of including a future ending date, or sunset clause. —Michael Collins, USA Today, 28 Feb. 2026

There are some solid jokes, one extremely weird and creative sequence involving anthropomorphic bacteria, and a sweet ending that arrives at its pathos quite naturally. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 28 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ending

• nerve ending
• never-ending

Rhymes for ending

• bending
• blending
• fending
• lending
• mending
• pending
• rending
• sending
• spending
• tending
• trending
• vending

Kids Definition

ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ 

: the final part : conclusion, end

a novel with a happy ending