yearning

noun

yearn·​ing ˈyər-niŋ How to pronounce yearning (audio)
Synonyms of yearning
: a tender or urgent longing
a yearning for justice

Examples of yearning in a Sentence

had a sudden yearning for something sweet
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.
Firmly anchored in an otherwise indeterminate space, the totem seems to express a yearning for transcultural commonality. Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026 There’s a yearning for a feeling of solidarity and community and everyone talking about the same movie. Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2026 Young people of their cohort prioritize Irish language rights and migrant rights, see a historic parallel between the oppression of Irish Catholics and Palestinians, and have a deep yearning to to bear witness to the end of British presence in the North and the reunification of Ireland. Dean Van Nguyen, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026 Kapetan’s yearning, intimate voice is still front and center, mixing and modernizing elements of favorites of the aughts like Conor Oberst (his earnestness), Ben Kweller (his wit), and Sufjan Stevens (his beauty). Brendan Hay, SPIN, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for yearning

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Yearning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yearning. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

yearning

noun
yearn·​ing
: a tender or eager longing

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