longing

1 of 2

noun

long·​ing ˈlȯŋ-iŋ 

: a strong desire especially for something unattainable : craving

longingly

ˈlȯŋ-iŋ-lē 

adverb

longing

2 of 2

present participle of long entry 4, long entry 5

Synonyms of longing

Noun

• desire
• craving
• thirst
• urge
• hunger
• yearning

Examples of longing in a Sentence

Noun

They looked with longing toward freedom.

She cast a look of longing at the shop window.

She never told anyone about her secret longings.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Recorded in Texas and rooted in the sound of the border, Bobby Pulido’s enduring classic turns restless longing into warm, danceable energy. — Qygwork, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026

With her toadstool-like jet-black perm and dark red lipstick, Haru is a striking presence, the sensuousness of her moves conveying both longing and sorrow. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Without authentic longing, and without any bittersweet complexity to the portrait of one social order replacing another, we’re left with little more than puffs of amusement, enough to escalate your mood but bound to fade by morning. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2026

Pavese would spend his life longing for her, or figures of her. — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for longing

• thronging
• belonging
• prolonging

Kids Definition

longing

noun

long·​ing ˈlȯŋ-iŋ 

: an eager desire : craving

longingly

-iŋ-lē 

adverb