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

This is a month of potent endings but also powerful beginnings. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025

The almost Nathan Fielder-esque twist ending is vulnerable and touching and delightfully unexpected. —Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 1 Aug. 2025

After the film was released on Aug. 1, many fans noticed that the film's ending is different from the book's. —Caroline Blair, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Kids will enjoy the goat’s antics and the sweet surprise ending, and those of us who sometimes share Ada’s dreams will appreciate the reminder that a little chaos can be good for the soul. —Caroline Carlson august 1, Literary Hub, 1 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