longing

1 of 2

noun

long·​ing ˈlȯŋ-iŋ 

: a strong desire especially for something unattainable : craving

longingly

ˈlȯŋ-iŋ-lē 

adverb

longing

2 of 2

present participle of long entry 4, long entry 5

Synonyms of longing

Noun

• desire
• craving
• thirst
• urge
• hunger
• yearning

Examples of longing in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

The Incredible Hulk, the Thing, He-Man, Superman—these cartoon heroes must fulfill some kind of longing. — Gavin Francis, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026

Despite the claims of any number of charlatans who prey on the American brand of cuddly benighted ignorance, the universe will not manifest an alternate reality for anyone who simply wishes for it with sufficient longing. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Withholding his feelings and observations from family and lovers while sharing them with the outside world, Chen traces variations of longing and desire. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

That sense of longing — whether romantic, personal or emotional — naturally gave the characters a starting point to make those lyrics their own. — Franchesca Guim, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for longing

• thronging
• belonging
• prolonging

Kids Definition

longing

noun

long·​ing ˈlȯŋ-iŋ 

: an eager desire : craving

longingly

-iŋ-lē 

adverb