yearning

1 of 2

noun

yearn·​ing ˈyər-niŋ 

: a tender or urgent longing

a yearning for justice

yearning

2 of 2

present participle of yearn

Synonyms of yearning

Noun

• longing
• craving
• desire
• urge
• thirst
• hunger

Examples of yearning in a Sentence

Noun

had a sudden yearning for something sweet

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There is a quiet yearning to know himself—to find for himself a more substantial backstory and sense of belonging—in what Shimoda pieces together. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Students’ response to this approach has been full of gratitude, curiosity, respect, and a yearning for growth professionally and personally. — David Elkowitz, STAT, 16 Sep. 2026

Indeed, the polar opposite of both Number One’s icy demeanor and Chapel’s long-suffering yearning, Majel is remembered by friends and colleagues as a boisterous, brassy, take-no-prisoners presence. — Scott Huver, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

And, really, what [emo] meant to us was being introspective with your lyrics and talking about your own personal struggles and your own personal pain and your feelings of yearning and stuff like that, instead of fighting external forces. — Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for yearning

• adjourning
• concerning
• discerning
• returning
• burning
• churning
• earning
• learning
• spurning
• turning
• overturning

Kids Definition

yearning

noun

yearn·​ing

: a tender or eager longing