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: a tender or urgent longing
a yearning for justice
Synonyms
Examples of yearning in a Sentence
had a sudden yearning for something sweet
Recent Examples on the Web
There’s ego, politics, the human condition, man’s yearning for understanding.
—
Zach Helfand, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
Sumptuous But Healthy Gourmet Dining To assuage any concerns, this isn’t a spa with dietary restrictions that leave guests yearning for good food or wine.
—
Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
And yes, there’s more top-tier yearning between John Turturro and Christopher Walken.
—
Abby Monteil, Them, 15 Jan. 2025
To the company, universal yearnings for meaning or connection or dignity are only ever flaws to be managed or weaknesses to be exploited.
—
Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Jan. 2025
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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
Dictionary Entries Near yearning
Cite this Entry
“Yearning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yearning. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
yearning
noun
yearn·ing
: a tender or eager longing
More from Merriam-Webster on yearning
Nglish: Translation of yearning for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of yearning for Arabic Speakers
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