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

• capper
• close
• closing
• conclusion
• consummation
• end
• endgame
• finale
• finis
• finish
• grand finale
• homestretch
• mop-up
• windup
• wrap-up

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

Or does so only briefly in the ambiguous ending, when Sofia throws off the last vestiges of her passivity and forces her recalcitrant mother into a reckoning with her condition. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025

Hot Milk is spare, rigorously structured but enigmatic, with a shocking ending that could fuel weeks of argument. —Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025

The film lurches toward what could’ve been a great ending, the crisis of mother and daughter finally snapping into sharp and life-threatening focus, but instead leaves us hanging in the middle of the last sentence. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Feb. 2025

Now, the Heat and Butler part ways after a successful run together that featured an unfortunate and messy ending. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ending

• nerve ending
• never-ending

Kids Definition

ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ 

: the final part : conclusion, end

a novel with a happy ending