longing

noun

long·​ing ˈlȯŋ-iŋ How to pronounce longing (audio)
: a strong desire especially for something unattainable : craving
longingly adverb

Examples of longing in a Sentence

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Each of the seven tracks stands on its own merit as a self-reflective tale of vulnerability and longing. Jae-Ha Kim, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2025 Fleur watches the video on her laptop quietly, eyes filled with longing. Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025 An intoxicating, passionate, and bittersweet tale of the conflict between the longing for love and the yearning for freedom. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025 Carved into the wood walls, faint Chinese characters emerge with personal messages of grief, longing and anguish at their separation from loved ones. Don Sproul, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for longing

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of longing was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Longing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/longing. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

longing

noun
long·​ing ˈlȯŋ-iŋ How to pronounce longing (audio)
: an eager desire : craving
longingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on longing

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