ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ How to pronounce ending (audio)
: 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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The ending is one of the most surprising last-minutes saves in cinema. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2024 Even the respective endings for Agatha herself feel linked. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024 That necessitated a different ending and the addition of other characters. Patrick Frater, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024 Despite her drama, Jessica did have a happy ending however. Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ending 

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

Dictionary Entries Near ending

Cite this Entry

“Ending.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ending. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ending

noun
end·​ing ˈen-diŋ How to pronounce ending (audio)
: the final part : conclusion, end
a novel with a happy ending

More from Merriam-Webster on ending

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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