longing

noun

long·​ing ˈlȯŋ-iŋ 

: a strong desire especially for something unattainable : craving

longingly

ˈlȯŋ-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of longing

• desire
• craving
• thirst
• urge
• hunger
• yearning

Examples of longing in a Sentence

They looked with longing toward freedom.

She cast a look of longing at the shop window.

She never told anyone about her secret longings.

Recent Examples on the Web

Every second of White Nights is steeped in a longing for the impossible, which is maybe why its beauty feels so untouchable, so unexplainable even to this day. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 July 2026

Darkness and death and the longing for death all weave together as the episode closes. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

But like a bolt of lightning from Zeus himself, Page instantly charms us from his first swig of SunnyD, creating a character whose quippy armor hides a sensitive soul longing for meaningful connection. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 19 July 2026

Garner is a master at the tearful longing gaze over the ocean. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for longing

• thronging
• belonging
• prolonging

Kids Definition

longing

noun

long·​ing ˈlȯŋ-iŋ 

: an eager desire : craving

longingly

-iŋ-lē 

adverb