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.
There's even some hint of yearning for an apocalyptic event to give the world a do-over. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 30 Jan. 2025 But there’s another, more opaque thread among right-wing environmental beliefs, according to Jesse Bryant, a sociologist at Yale University: a yearning for a religious or pseudo-religious purity. Benji Jones, Vox, 28 Jan. 2025 Mac Miller’s death in 2018 left a community of fans in mourning and a world yearning to hear more of the rapper’s music. Chris Malone Mendez, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 Their relationship evolves into discussions about his trauma from heartbreak and her yearning to be alive. Gina Cherelus, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025 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 6 Feb. 2025.

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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