ending

1 of 2

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

ending

2 of 2

present participle of end entry 2, end entry 4

Synonyms of ending

Noun

• end
• conclusion
• finale
• closing
• culmination
• close

Examples of ending in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

Even people who like the film will leave yowling at the ending. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

As Season 6 director Adam Randall tells Variety below, the actors did shoot a happier ending for the couple, which ultimately wasn’t used. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026

But even though that conclusion would be many times less schmaltzy than the actual film’s ending, Ishiguro won’t give it to us. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026

The renewal is good news for Carrie fans as Season 1 diverged from the ending of King’s book to leave things off on a cliffhanger. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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