ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ How to pronounce ending (audio)
Synonyms of endingnext
: something that constitutes an end: such as
a
: conclusion
a movie with a happy ending
b
: one or more letters or syllables added to a word base especially in inflection

Synonyms

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Examples of ending in a Sentence

I didn't like the book's ending. Common verb endings in English are “-s,” “-ed,” and “-ing.” You can often recognize an English adverb by its “-ly” ending.
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 could be sudden news or an ending around health or employment matters, too. — Kyle Thomas, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025 Even Clayton, though, is defeated by the story’s sensational and highly symbolic ending, which defeats all attempts to shoot it straightforwardly. — Constance Grady, Vox, 7 Mar. 2025 The kinship was so vibrant that Anderson was inspired to alter the original ending of Martin’s stories. — J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025 But the premature ending of this test flight means those objectives must wait. — Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ending

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Phrases Containing ending

Rhymes for ending

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Browse Nearby Words

ending
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Cite this Entry

“Ending.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ending. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

ending

noun
end·​ing ˈen-diŋ How to pronounce ending (audio)
: the final part : conclusion, end
a novel with a happy ending

More from Merriam-Webster on ending

Nglish: Translation of ending for Spanish Speakers

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