yearn

verb \ ˈyərn \

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

Definition of yearn

intransitive verb

1 : to long persistently, wistfully, or sadly

yearns to make a difference

2 : to feel tenderness or compassion

—

yearner

noun

—

yearningly

play \ˈyər-niŋ-lē\ adverb

See yearn defined for English-language learners

See yearn defined for kids

Recent Examples of yearn from the Web

Both were fans of each other's work: Kubrick, coming off Dr. Strangelove, yearned to make a groundbreaking sci-fi epic, and the older Clarke, a sci-fi icon even then, wanted to break into Hollywood.

— brian truitt, USA TODAY, "'2001: A Space Odyssey': Book celebrates 50th anniversary of sci-fi movie masterpiece," 3 Apr. 2018
The Williams alumnae with an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School had the kind of resume headhunters yearn for: McKinsey, Starbucks, Goldman Sachs, United Technologies.

— kristen bellstrom, Fortune, "Former Tronc Chairman and Investor Michael Ferro Accused of Inappropriate Advances by Two Women," 19 Mar. 2018
That is the story that Mr Trump yearns to rewrite, while there is still time and America retains the strength to punch back.

— The Economist, "The president has had enough of being challenged over foreign policy," 15 Mar. 2018
The earnest, yearning love song was first aired last month as the theme of an ongoing TV drama series.

— billboard japan, Billboard, "J-Pop Band Mr. Children Releases New Short Film, 'here comes my love': Watch," 10 Feb. 2018
The cheering, hooting progressive crowds clamoring for more mockery and more derision are hardly yearning for dialogue.

— david french, National Review, "Does the Left Lose because It’s Too Civil?," 23 Jan. 2018
This setup will sound acceptable to a layman’s ear, but music aficionados may yearn for something more refined.

— michael simari, Car and Driver, "2018 Toyota RAV4," 16 Mar. 2018
Sisters, aunts, cousins, third cousins, keeping so many characters distinct requires a heavy brushstroke, and every so often a reader yearns for someone who is bigger or stranger than their experiences.

— john freeman, BostonGlobe.com, "One birthday and a funeral," 16 Mar. 2018
But now that the official groups have been announced, and everyone and their mums yearns for June 14 when the hosts kick the campaign off against Saudi Arabia; the big gun excuses have started to roll out.

— SI.com, "Russian Government Raises Concerns That Locusts Could Take Over the World...Cup," 31 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'yearn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of yearn

Middle English yernen, from Old English giernan; akin to Old High German gerōn to desire, Latin hortari to urge, encourage, Greek chairein to rejoice

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of yearn

long, yearn, hanker, pine, hunger, thirst mean to have a strong desire for something. long implies a wishing with one's whole heart and often a striving to attain.

- longed for some rest

yearn suggests an eager, restless, or painful longing.

- yearned for a stage career

hanker suggests the uneasy promptings of unsatisfied appetite or desire.

- always hankering for money

pine implies a languishing or a fruitless longing for what is impossible.

- pined for a lost love

hunger and thirst imply an insistent or impatient craving or a compelling need.

- hungered for a business of his own
- thirsted for power

YEARN Defined for English Language Learners

yearn

verb

Definition of yearn for English Language Learners

: to feel a strong desire or wish for something or to do something

YEARN Defined for Kids

yearn

verb \ ˈyərn \

Definition of yearn for Students

yearned; yearning

: to desire very much

Synonym Discussion of yearn

yearn, long, and pine mean to desire something very much. yearn is used of a very eager desiring along with restless or painful feelings.

- They're yearning for freedom.

long is used when someone truly wants something and often tries very hard to get it.

- She longed to become a successful writer.

pine is used when someone is growing weak while continuing to want something that is impossible to get.

- She was pining away for her long lost friend.

Learn More about yearn

See words that rhyme with yearn Spanish Central: Translation of yearn Nglish: Translation of yearn for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of yearn for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up yearn? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

yearn

Definition of yearn

yearner

yearningly

Recent Examples of yearn from the Web

Origin and Etymology of yearn

Synonym Discussion of yearn

YEARN Defined for English Language Learners

yearn

Definition of yearn for English Language Learners

YEARN Defined for Kids

yearn

Definition of yearn for Students

Synonym Discussion of yearn

Learn More about yearn

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

slew

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

‘Sleight’ or ‘Slight’ of Hand?

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Name That Thing

SCRABBLE® Sprint

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

yearn

Definition of yearn

yearner

yearningly

Recent Examples of yearn from the Web

Origin and Etymology of yearn

Synonym Discussion of yearn

YEARN Defined for English Language Learners

yearn

Definition of yearn for English Language Learners

YEARN Defined for Kids

yearn

Definition of yearn for Students

Synonym Discussion of yearn

Learn More about yearn

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes