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

• capper
• close
• closing
• conclusion
• consummation
• end
• endgame
• finale
• finis
• finish
• grand finale
• homestretch
• mop-up
• windup
• wrap-up

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

When the ending is bad, the prime minister doesn’t show up. —Kathleen Magramo, CNN, 9 June 2024

Fair warning: Seconds contains one of the most brutal endings ever committed to celluloid. —Chris Wheatley, Longreads, 6 June 2024

After the composer’s death, a hokey big operatic ending got tacked on with a showy duet by a second-rate composer, Franco Alfano. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2024

It’s got a spark that could go the way of Austin or Asheville, an underdog story awaiting its ending. —Jacqueline Kehoe, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ending

• nerve ending
• never-ending

Kids Definition

ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ 

: the final part : conclusion, end

a novel with a happy ending