yearning

noun

yearn·​ing ˈyər-niŋ How to pronounce yearning (audio)
: 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 These scraps are Winston’s yearnings, memories, sensual instincts, which have, as yet, somehow gone unmurdered by the regime. Stephen Metcalf, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2024 Her Palm Royale character, Maxine, has elements of Wiig’s previous creations — an outsider yearning for acceptance, like Annie in Bridesmaids bursting into first class, or Penelope, the SNL character who constantly one-ups other people with absurd claims. Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2024 Her permission to surrender ignited the intensity of my yearning for a mate and the magnitude of my failure. Cathleen Calkins, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 But thanks to leaps in computer graphics, Wingard was able to truly infuse Kong with a deep longing for home and yearning to belong. USA TODAY, 28 Mar. 2024 Neon Genesis Evangelion, itself filled with teenage yearning and angst, which has found a devoted new audience on streaming platforms in recent years. James Gui, Pitchfork, 28 Mar. 2024 Jones, a scene-stealer in supporting roles for years, gives a tour de force lead performance that toggles between unsettling, yearning and tender. Jen Yamato, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2024 SiR’s music, which is gospel and soul-influenced, is riddled with themes of love, yearning, and heartbreak. Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2024 Kumar writes with equal amounts of heart and humor, capturing the keen pain of Karthik’s home life and Meghna’s yearning for love and approval from everyone in her life. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'yearning.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near yearning

Cite this Entry

“Yearning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yearning. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

yearning

noun
yearn·​ing
: a tender or eager longing

More from Merriam-Webster on yearning

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