yearning

noun

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

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.
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 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

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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