noun
Very common
ends
ehndz
Ends (noun) means plural of end — the final points, purposes, or extremities of something. Example: “Tie the two ends of the scarf together in a loose knot.”
noun
1
Plural of end — the final points, purposes, or extremities of something.
"Tie the two ends of the scarf together in a loose knot."
"The rope was frayed at both ends."
"She works hard to make ends meet."
2
Slang for one's home neighbourhood, or for money.
"Everyone knows everyone else round my ends, so news travels fast."
"I can't come out tonight, because I've got no ends until payday."
"He grew up on these ends."
How to use ends
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPlural of "end" — the tips or edges of something, or informally, one's neighbourhood or cash.
Common pairings
make ends meet
loose ends
both ends
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Synonyms
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Rhymes for ends
See all rhymes for ends →Frequently asked questions
What does “ends” mean?
The word “ends” means plural of end — the final points, purposes, or extremities of something. In plain terms, plural of "end" — the tips or edges of something, or informally, one's neighbourhood or cash.
How do you pronounce “ends”?
“Ends” is pronounced ehndz (/ɛndz/ in IPA).
How do you use “ends” in a sentence?
Here is “ends” used in a sentence: “The rope was frayed at both ends.”
What part of speech is “ends”?
“Ends” is a noun.
Is “ends” a common word?
“Ends” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ends” have?
“Ends” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: plural of end — the final points, purposes, or extremities of something.
What does 'the ends justify the means' mean?
This phrase uses ends to mean goals or purposes, and means to mean the methods used to reach them. It suggests that a worthwhile outcome can excuse questionable actions taken to achieve it. The saying is often debated, because many people believe some methods are wrong no matter the goal.
What does 'make ends meet' mean?
To make ends meet means to earn just enough money to cover your basic expenses. The phrase pictures the two ends of a budget, income and outgoings, being stretched until they meet. Someone struggling to make ends meet has barely enough to pay for essentials like rent and food.
What are the different meanings of 'ends'?
As a plural noun, ends can refer to the physical extremities of something, such as the two ends of a rope. It can also mean goals or purposes, as in 'political ends'. Informally, 'odds and ends' means assorted small items. The right meaning depends on the surrounding context.
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