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 of ending

• 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

Edwards forced overtime with a clutch three-pointer before Scottie Barnes hit a game-ending, overtime three-pointer for his team in the opening mini-game against the World. —Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026

Astronomers are used to dramatic endings. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Feb. 2026

Hill explained the ending — and really all of Stage 3 — from his perspective post-race. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Feb. 2026

Said quest forces her to reexamine a revelatory affair with an RAF pilot, and consider how their engagement’s cruel ending set her on the path to a different sort of fulfillment. —Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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