longing

1 of 2

noun

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

longing

2 of 2

present participle of long entry 4, long entry 5

Synonyms of longing

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Noun

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Examples of longing in a Sentence

Noun They looked with longing toward freedom. She cast a look of longing at the shop window. She never told anyone about her secret longings.
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Noun
As private longing collides with honor and social codes, each character has to reckon with what their choices cost. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 Yet Seghers deftly exposes the insecurity, loneliness, and longing that hide behind masculinist poses. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 The Incredible Hulk, the Thing, He-Man, Superman—these cartoon heroes must fulfill some kind of longing. — Gavin Francis, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026 Despite the claims of any number of charlatans who prey on the American brand of cuddly benighted ignorance, the universe will not manifest an alternate reality for anyone who simply wishes for it with sufficient longing. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for longing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for longing

See All Rhymes for longing

Browse Nearby Words

long in coming
longing
longingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Longing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/longing. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

longing

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