yearning

noun

yearn·​ing ˈyər-niŋ How to pronounce yearning (audio)
: a tender or urgent longing
a yearning for justice

Examples of yearning in a Sentence

had a sudden yearning for something sweet
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.
But Barton points to a theme in Knightley’s movie career where her big screen characters have two sides to them: a public persona and private wants, with the heart yearning for one thing and having to settle for another. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024 Bad Bunny is starting the holiday season with a far-too-relatable feeling of yearning. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2024 Eisenberg wanted to convey the irony of yearning to connect with your ancestors’ pain while being unwilling to experience — or even confront — any discomfort while doing so. Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024 Obviously, the reflex to bring this style of makeup back is part of a widespread yearning to turn back the clock, which is understandable for people my age (in their 30s) and and little younger. Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for yearning 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near yearning

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

yearning

noun
yearn·​ing
: a tender or eager longing

More from Merriam-Webster on yearning

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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