longing

noun

long·​ing ˈlȯŋ-iŋ How to pronounce longing (audio)
: a strong desire especially for something unattainable : craving
longingly adverb

Examples of longing in a Sentence

They looked with longing toward freedom. She cast a look of longing at the shop window. She never told anyone about her secret longings.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For those longing for the era when moviegoers were asked to believe Arnold Schwarzenegger was just a regular, relatable dad, Jingle All the Way is the movie for you. Andrew Walsh, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024 The vaguely bluesy folk songs courtesy of A.G. Cook put us in a place of longing from frame one. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024 Romy finds her longing to be dominated not just embarrassing but also deeply shameful in light of her place as an admired public figure. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2024 Proof a different life was possible, this book in her hands ... a paper monument thick with ... a lifetime’s longing. Ayad Akhtar, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for longing 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of longing was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near longing

Cite this Entry

“Longing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/longing. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

longing

noun
long·​ing ˈlȯŋ-iŋ How to pronounce longing (audio)
: an eager desire : craving
longingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on longing

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