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

• 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

Their fairy-tale ending might not be so happy after all. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Arguably its symbolic ending following the end of the Berlin Wall was one of the defining moments of that century. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025

Political thriller Hostage premiered on Netflix on Aug. 21 The limited series follows Prime Minister Abigail Dalton (Suranne Jones) after her husband is abducted The show ends with a violent confrontation Hostage may be a dark political thriller, but its ending is a beacon of hope. —Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Handshake: Why Johnson, Russell are at odds The forum’s climactic ending saw Russell stand and extend his arm towards Johnson. —Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 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