noun Uncommon

yearning

YUR-nihng

Yearning (noun) means a deep, wistful longing for something. Example: “A yearning for home crept over him as winter set in.”

noun

A deep, wistful longing for something.

"A yearning for home crept over him as winter set in."

How to use yearning

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA strong, often bittersweet desire for something out of reach.

Common pairings

a deep yearning yearning for something

yearnings plural, yearnings plural

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Can you complete this real example?

A _____ for home crept over him as winter set in.

From Old English ġierning, the noun form of "yearn."

Origin: Old English

longing hungriness

wish hoping desire appetite thirst yen nostalgia craving

warning learning

What does “yearning” mean?

The word “yearning” means a deep, wistful longing for something. In plain terms, a strong, often bittersweet desire for something out of reach.

How do you pronounce “yearning”?

“Yearning” is pronounced YUR-nihng (/ˈjɝnɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “yearning” in a sentence?

Here is “yearning” used in a sentence: “A yearning for home crept over him as winter set in.”

What part of speech is “yearning”?

“Yearning” is a noun.

Where does the word “yearning” come from?

The word “yearning” comes from Old English. From Old English ġierning, the noun form of "yearn.".

Is “yearning” a common word?

“Yearning” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Vocabulary lists that include yearning:

wish hoping desire appetite thirst yen nostalgia craving