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

How much does nothing weigh, when the nothing is filled with longing, curiosity, confusion, discomfort, and grief? — Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026

Saigon is set in two different restaurants at two moments in time — 1990s France and 1950s Vietnam — as Nguyen weaves the lives and longings of strangers into an intimate and expansive story of connection in exile. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026

These two former Texas Rangers lead an unforgettable cast of characters across the American west in this sweeping odyssey defined by unrequited longing, unbreakable friendship, brutal frontier justice, and an unwavering pursuit of a meaningful life. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026

The moment is shattered, in front of the guests, when Alice is brutally attacked by the family’s bull terrier during a dance recital with her friends, one of whom has already caught her eye in what looks like presexual longing. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 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