yearning

1 of 2

noun

yearn·​ing ˈyər-niŋ 

: a tender or urgent longing

a yearning for justice

yearning

2 of 2

present participle of yearn

Synonyms of yearning

Noun

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

Examples of yearning in a Sentence

Noun

had a sudden yearning for something sweet

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Could this trend reflect a yearning for a return to a more egalitarian America? — John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

Langley’s voice, which is emotive but steady, seems unusually well suited to this sort of doleful yearning. — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026

The problem isn’t the characterization, since the surgeon is extremely well drawn and Văncică’s performance picks up on both the overall inner emptiness and the yearning for something more. — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026

Explorer, emphasizing the human yearning to discover and go farther. — Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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