ending

1 of 2

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ How to pronounce ending (audio)
Synonyms of endingnext
: 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

ending

2 of 2

present participle of end entry 2, end entry 4

Synonyms of ending

Relevance

Noun

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Examples of ending in a Sentence

Noun 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Today marks five years since the chaotic, deadly ending of America's nearly 20-year war in Afghanistan. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 At Mattel, cultural relevance came with a blockbuster ending. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 The ending of The Whisper Man might leave you with some questions — and the director has answers. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026 Earlier this summer, speculation regarding Ariana Grande’s weight and body image reached a fever pitch after the singer announced her retreat from public life following the ending of her ongoing tour next week. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ending

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Phrases Containing ending

Rhymes for ending

See All Rhymes for ending

Browse Nearby Words

Endicott Mountains
ending
end in (something)
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Cite this Entry

“Ending.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ending. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ending

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