longing

noun

long·​ing ˈlȯŋ-iŋ 

: a strong desire especially for something unattainable : craving

longingly

ˈlȯŋ-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of longing

• desire
• craving
• thirst
• urge
• hunger
• yearning

Examples of longing in a Sentence

They looked with longing toward freedom.

She cast a look of longing at the shop window.

She never told anyone about her secret longings.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is, at times, a wrenching novel, strewn with broken bodies, but its atrocities never overwhelm its faith in creaturely communion, and in grief and longing that clarify, rather than obscure, one’s desires and selfhood. — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

His new cinematic experience, for example, turns romantic ideas of the summer on their head to paint a contemporary portrait of longing for connection steeped in resignation. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026

Their voyage transforms into a haunting meditation on exile, longing and the elusive promise of belonging. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 30 July 2026

However, these spaces are now intentionally being rebuilt as a hot trend for 2026, driven by a longing for genuine connection. — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for longing

• thronging
• belonging
• prolonging

Kids Definition

longing

noun

long·​ing ˈlȯŋ-iŋ 

: an eager desire : craving

longingly

-iŋ-lē 

adverb