yearning

noun

yearn·​ing ˈyər-niŋ How to pronounce yearning (audio)
Synonyms of yearningnext
: 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.
Below, Brownell unpacks Part 1, including elements of the classic Cinderella story, ongoing yearning between Benedict and Sophie, their time together in the countryside and that steamy scene at the end of episode four. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026 However, the true romantic highlight of Season 4 thus far is the burgeoning lust, yearning and flirtation Lady Violet shares with Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis). Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026 Their courtship was tender, quiet, subdued—and hardly full of the passion and yearning that Bridgerton has become known for. Meg Walters, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026 Subsequently, the filmmaker became enamored with airplanes and transferred that same fascination onto Lil Ant, who eyes the planes overhead with palpable yearning and, at one point, shoplifts a toy plane from a store. Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 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 2 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

yearning

noun
yearn·​ing
: a tender or eager longing

More from Merriam-Webster on yearning

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