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

The third—the series’ best and last—has Sam trying to repay the favor by making sure a newly married Joel isn’t sacrificing too much of himself to achieve a happy ending. —Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 10 Dec. 2024

The Eras Tour raked in more than $2 billion in ticket sales. endings 2:06 p.m. A Somebody Somewhere Spectacle Bridget Everett’s HBO half-hour counted its victories in developments modest by TV standards and monumental on the scale of everyday life. —Britina Cheng, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2024

This is histrionic and fun and has a nice ending with Michael Longfellow. —EW.com, 8 Dec. 2024

In the past timeline, the teaser finds the survivors in the wilderness at their lowest point yet following the season two ending, which left the starving group without shelter. —Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Dec. 2024

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