ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ 

: something that constitutes an end: such as

a

: conclusion

a movie with a happy ending

b

: one or more letters or syllables added to a word base especially in inflection

Synonyms of ending

• end
• conclusion
• finale
• closing
• culmination
• close

Examples of ending in a Sentence

I didn't like the book's ending.

Common verb endings in English are “-s,” “-ed,” and “-ing.”

You can often recognize an English adverb by its “-ly” ending.

Recent Examples on the Web

So maybe Kevin O’Leary will get his vampire ending after all — in real life if not onscreen. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026

Upon its ending, the cameras cut to Danielson in the booth alongside his broadcast partners and the crew. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026

But, at some point amid the chaos, Eleven got loose and seemed to choose the ending that her sister suggested before Hopper's big speech. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 1 Jan. 2026

Still, the incident remains a happy ending for the puppy, who will join the Beerling home — and a Shih Tzu sibling. —Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ending

• nerve ending
• never-ending

Rhymes for ending

• bending
• blending
• fending
• lending
• mending
• pending
• rending
• sending
• spending
• tending
• trending
• vending

Kids Definition

ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ 

: the final part : conclusion, end

a novel with a happy ending