ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ How to pronounce ending (audio)
: something that constitutes an end: such as
a
: conclusion
a movie with a happy ending
b
: one or more letters or syllables added to a word base especially in inflection

Examples of ending in a Sentence

I didn't like the book's ending. Common verb endings in English are “-s,” “-ed,” and “-ing.” You can often recognize an English adverb by its “-ly” ending.
Recent Examples on the Web The teen sitcom was so beloved that eight years after its ending, Paramount+ ordered a revival of the series with Cosgrove, Kress and Jerry Trainor — who played Carly’s older brother and guardian, Spencer Shay — returning in their original roles. Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024 Momentum is hard to sustain, and endings are hard to nail. Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024 Despite the less-than-stellar ending, the entire process is being hailed by SpaceX as a success, given that Starship reached many key milestones during the test flight. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2024 While the ending was disappointing, the season was historic. Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2024 But the Italian director waited until the last moments of filming to reveal the ending to the actors playing the lead roles. Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN, 7 Mar. 2024 Pro: It can be looked at as a good luck charm, considering the ending had to be rewritten when the Sox won their first World Series in 86 years. Derek Lawrence, EW.com, 5 Mar. 2024 The clowns still perform their slapstick, and remain in their oversized costumes throughout the show, so that the audience can recognize the same performer at the beginning of the show and the ending. Jonathan Abrams, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2024 That ending is complete with tap dancing leading to the tighter Act 2, aided by yet another Steve Wilkos (Fred Isozaki) security fail. David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ending.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ending was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near ending

Cite this Entry

“Ending.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ending. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ending

noun
end·​ing ˈen-diŋ How to pronounce ending (audio)
: the final part : conclusion, end
a novel with a happy ending

More from Merriam-Webster on ending

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