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

Speaking of changes, the ending is a bit more hopeful, not necessarily for Molina, but for those around him. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2025

Maybe Kimmel and Carolla do have a new, more redemptive ending for their KROQ docuseries. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 20 Nov. 2025

Elphaba is seemingly melted by a bucket of water — her ending in the Wizard of Oz. —Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 19 Nov. 2025

The ending is sure to tie back into Season 1, which aired so long ago that the show's child actors have since grown up, gotten married, or started having kids of their own. —Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 19 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