yearning

noun

yearn·​ing ˈyər-niŋ How to pronounce yearning (audio)
Synonyms of yearning
: a tender or urgent longing
a yearning for justice

Synonyms of yearning

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Examples of yearning in a Sentence

had a sudden yearning for something sweet
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.
Your thirst for success is brought on by the yearning to leave a legacy. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 18 June 2026 Your yearnings whet the underside of her tongue, as familiar as the thrum of her own pulse. — Literary Hub, 25 June 2026 But not everyone might need the CBC to feed their yearnings for archival footage. — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 25 June 2026 World Cup fans were united this weekend by a song synonymous with belonging, nostalgia and the yearning for home. — Angela Yang, NBC news, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for yearning

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for yearning

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Browse Nearby Words

yearnful
yearning
yearningly
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Cite this Entry

“Yearning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yearning. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

yearning

noun
yearn·​ing
: a tender or eager longing

More from Merriam-Webster on yearning

Nglish: Translation of yearning for Spanish Speakers

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