ending

1 of 2

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

ending

2 of 2

present participle of end entry 2, end entry 4

Synonyms of ending

Noun

• end
• conclusion
• finale
• closing
• culmination
• close

Examples of ending in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

Related Stories Below, Variety has gathered the five biggest differences between the book and the film, from one jaw-dropping scene the movie adds to the much darker ending of the book. — William Earl, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

The 32-year-old actor wrapped up a major chapter in his life late last year with the ending of Stranger Things, the Netflix science fiction series that catapulted him and his co-stars into near overnight fame. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026

The ending is a version of what was going on in my apartment. — Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026

The ending, which substantially departs from Malerman’s novel, offers a richer choice than the source material. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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