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: a tender or urgent longing
a yearning for justice
Synonyms
Examples of yearning in a Sentence
had a sudden yearning for something sweet
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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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
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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
Nglish: Translation of yearning for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of yearning for Arabic Speakers
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