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

Even a half-century later, the undead ghouls that descend upon survivors in a Pennsylvania farm house are timeless and the gut-punch ending couldn't be more timely. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 14 June 2025

Move over, infamously maligned ending of 2018’s The Predator — there’s a new cliffhanger in town. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 June 2025

Meet the cast of 'Survivor 50' Danielle Reyes explains why 'The Traitors' ending with Britney is so 'heartbreaking' Of course, there are also some other wild cards thrown into the mix. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 13 June 2025

When marriages end, those endings tend leave couples with a void and feelings of disappointment. —Essence, 13 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 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