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Definition of longing

longing

/ˈlɔːŋ.ɪŋ/
long · ing
Adverb:longingly
•
Plural:longings
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longing Lexical Profile

longing Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A strong, persistent, and often wistful desire or yearning, especially for something unattainable or distant.

Example

"Looking at the old photographs filled her with a deep longing for her childhood home."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Having, showing, or characterized by a strong, persistent desire or wistful yearning.

Example

"The hungry dog cast a longing glance toward the dinner table."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for longing

• Rhymes for longing

• Nearby Words

longhand
longhorn
longhouse
longing
longingly
longish
longitude

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English langung ('weariness, sadness, yearning, desire'), a verbal noun formed from langian ('to grow long, yearn after').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Longing. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/longing
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