longing

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

Synonyms of longing

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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.
Humans have speculated about eternal life since ancient times, Gershwin said, and the longing is close to universal. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 King, the urban refugee recalls running carefree in the woods long ago and claims such memories express a universal canine longing. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026 Emery and Miller decided to start Very Good Video Store after seeing the video store industry fade and longing for the old media devices and the joy that came with watching movies on them. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026 Gen Zs — who are too young to have ever logged onto the site — joined in the collective longing too. — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 4 Aug. 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

Rhymes for longing

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Browse Nearby Words

long in coming
longing
longingly
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Cite this Entry

“Longing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/longing. Accessed 12 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on longing

Nglish: Translation of longing for Spanish Speakers

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