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.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Jeon is marvelous in the role, allowing flashes of envy, resentment, and longing to surface beneath Mi-ok’s cheerful, accommodating manner without diminishing her warmth or loyalty. — Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 Netizens proclaimed their affection for the rattan man, claiming a combination of intrigue, longing, and confusion. — Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026 With something smart and pertinent to say about relationships between men and women, happiness and love, jealousy and longing and other matters of the heart, Wicker is the year’s most unexpected charmer. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 He’s also fully equipped with human foibles, including a longing for celebrity. — Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 16 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 27 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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