longing

noun

long·​ing ˈlȯŋ-iŋ How to pronounce longing (audio)
Synonyms of longing
: 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.
But what Spiro is writing about in most of these tunes is something a little more interesting than standard loss-and-longing fare. Chris Willman, Variety, 3 July 2026 Love, passion and a longing for emancipation fill their biosynthetic hearts. Liza Lentini, SPIN, 26 June 2026 The film’s first official trailer offers up a sweeping, dramatic look at the Dashwood life (like the highly relatable, ha, drama of being kicked out of their sprawling mansion), complete with plenty of longing and even a dash of mystery. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 25 June 2026 Love, longing, humor and nostalgia tell the story in gorgeously sung compositions. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 25 June 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Longing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/longing. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

longing

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

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