longing

noun

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

Examples of longing in a Sentence

They looked with longing toward freedom. She cast a look of longing at the shop window. She never told anyone about her secret longings.
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 a lot of longing, there’s a lot of sorrow in the book. James Factora, Them, 1 Nov. 2024 Her longing was only exacerbated when sandwich chain Jimmy John's announced the launch of its new Picklewich. Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024 Integration and belonging among heartland immigrants Longtime residents’ longing for the glazed donuts from shuttered Lang’s Bakery matches only the Latino newcomers’ enthusiasm for the fresh bread that’s now baked in myriad varieties from walnut to jalapeño. Giovanna Dell'orto, Twin Cities, 31 Oct. 2024 For one, their affair is an all-consuming love, for the other an intoxicating realization of her secret longings. Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for longing 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near longing

Cite this Entry

“Longing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/longing. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

longing

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

More from Merriam-Webster on longing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!