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 of ending

• 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

The first book ends with James betraying Ruby following the death of his mother, but the TV series’ creative team decided to end slightly earlier than that, preserving a quasi-happy ending should a Season 2 never come to pass. —Kayti Burt, Time, 28 Nov. 2025

The Capricorn stellium starting December 21st pulls your energy toward reflection, endings, and recalibration. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 28 Nov. 2025

Their legendary match at 'Money in the Bank' in 2011, which saw Punk defeat Cena for the WWE Championship before absconding with the title, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Premium Live Event endings ever. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

Joan’s final choice not only results in the right ending for her and Larry but also pushes Luke to move forward with closure on his first love. —Alamin Yohannes, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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