ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ 

: something that constitutes an end: such as

a

: conclusion

a movie with a happy ending

b

: one or more letters or syllables added to a word base especially in inflection

Synonyms

• capper
• close
• closing
• conclusion
• consummation
• end
• endgame
• finale
• finis
• finish
• grand finale
• homestretch
• mop-up
• windup
• wrap-up

Examples of ending in a Sentence

I didn't like the book's ending.

Common verb endings in English are “-s,” “-ed,” and “-ing.”

You can often recognize an English adverb by its “-ly” ending.

Recent Examples on the Web

Photo: Kimberley French/A24 Spoilers ahead for the plot and ending of Heretic. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024

There’s this extraordinary moment where the ending of the Jan 6th hearings were concluding at the very moment of his entire congressional career. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024

Without spoiling the ending, the film finishes with a particularly memorable scene. —Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024

This ending might have been a hearkening back to Gunther's clash with Hart during the feud with Zayn earlier in the year. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ending

• nerve ending
• never-ending

Kids Definition

ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ 

: the final part : conclusion, end

a novel with a happy ending