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

In an interview on Netflix’s Tudum site, show creators Matt and Ross Duffer elaborated on the ending for Heaton’s character. —Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026

There were indelible clutch moments and absolutely bonkers endings. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026

So, how does forgiveness factor into the story's ending? —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Jan. 2026

One of the things that Patrick did to hint at the ending was creating this beautiful piece of music, while the girl is crying pearls, which was designed to be synthetic keyboard music. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2026

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