yearning

noun

yearn·​ing ˈyər-niŋ 

: a tender or urgent longing

a yearning for justice

Synonyms of yearning

• longing
• craving
• desire
• urge
• thirst
• hunger

Examples of yearning in a Sentence

had a sudden yearning for something sweet

Recent Examples on the Web

Unrequited yearning, alcoholism, and suppressed desires abound in the 80-minute one-act play, which won Escola a Tony Award. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026

The scene forever changed the lyrics of Tyler’s hit to something much more profane, but no less yearning. — Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Star City earns its FAM bonafides by remembering that gigantic expressions of yearning and gumption are what this franchise does best. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2026

The heroine’s eyes are filled with yearning, her eyelashes glistening and ever-so-perfectly clumped? — Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 5 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for yearning

• adjourning
• concerning
• discerning
• returning
• burning
• churning
• earning
• learning
• spurning
• turning
• overturning

Kids Definition

yearning

noun

yearn·​ing

: a tender or eager longing