: 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
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
While the characters run into problems here and there — money troubles, college-admissions stress, a health scare — happy endings prevail more often than not.
—
Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Dec. 2023
The ending ultimately becomes a little plotty, but scattered throughout the film are moments of undeniable ecstasy.
—Lucas Trevor, Washington Post, 4 Dec. 2023
Although the 72-year-old widower has reached his goal, his happy ending was nearly overshadowed by a woman’s shattering heartbreak.
—Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2023
There’s just one available per night between the period of November 2, 2023, to August 31, 2024, with the sale ending when 100 nights of reservations have been booked.
—Dan Koday, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2023
That predictable and rather cheesy happy ending might be the most Christmas movie thing about The Holiday.
—Shannon Carlin, refinery29.com, 20 Nov. 2023
Fine also says Butler continuing to speak as Elvis, even after filming ending, is tied to a technique actors use.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 23 Nov. 2023
Full moons are a time of culmination and anticipation, endings and realizations.
—Emily Newhouse, Allure, 22 Nov. 2023
And then also a lot of people are talking about how poignant the ending is.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Nov. 2023
See More
Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Dec. 2023
The ending ultimately becomes a little plotty, but scattered throughout the film are moments of undeniable ecstasy.
—Lucas Trevor, Washington Post, 4 Dec. 2023
Although the 72-year-old widower has reached his goal, his happy ending was nearly overshadowed by a woman’s shattering heartbreak.
—Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2023
There’s just one available per night between the period of November 2, 2023, to August 31, 2024, with the sale ending when 100 nights of reservations have been booked.
—Dan Koday, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2023
That predictable and rather cheesy happy ending might be the most Christmas movie thing about The Holiday.
—Shannon Carlin, refinery29.com, 20 Nov. 2023
Fine also says Butler continuing to speak as Elvis, even after filming ending, is tied to a technique actors use.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 23 Nov. 2023
Full moons are a time of culmination and anticipation, endings and realizations.
—Emily Newhouse, Allure, 22 Nov. 2023
And then also a lot of people are talking about how poignant the ending is.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ending.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of ending was
before the 12th century
Phrases Containing ending
Articles Related to ending
Dictionary Entries Near ending
Cite this Entry
“Ending.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ending. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
ending
noun
end·ing
ˈen-diŋ 
: the final part : conclusion, end
a novel with a happy ending
More from Merriam-Webster on ending
Nglish: Translation of ending for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of ending for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share