Meaning

(intransitive, also figuratively) To have a strong desire for something or to do something; to long for or to do something..

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive, also figuratively) To have a strong desire for something or to do something; to long for or to do something.
2. (intransitive) Of music, words, etc.: to express strong desire or longing.
3. (intransitive, dated) To have strong feelings of affection, love, sympathy, etc., toward someone.
4. (intransitive, obsolete) To be distressed or pained; to grieve; to mourn.
5. (transitive) Often followed by out: to perform (music) which conveys or say (words) which express strong desire or longing.
6. (transitive, archaic or poetic) To have a strong desire or longing (for something or to do something).
7. (transitive, obsolete) To cause (someone) to have strong feelings of affection, love, sympathy, etc.; also, to grieve or pain (someone).
8. A strong desire or longing; a yearning, a yen.

Example Sentences

All I yearn for is a simple life.

I muſt do that my heart-ſtrings yern to do: but my word's paſt.

You are now before my eyes, my eyes that are ready to flow with tenderness, but cannot give relief to my gushing heart, that dictates what I am now saying, and yearns to tell you all its achings.

By morning's cheerful glow, but oftener still by evening's gentle light, the child, with a respect for the short and happy intercourse of these two sisters which forbade her to approach and say a thankful word, although she yearned to do so, followed them at a distance in their walks and rambles, […]

What his soul yearned after was control of his father's newly purchased sailing-ship.

And Jim supported his twitching body by holding on to the sink, the while he yearned toward the yellowish concoction that stood for life.

But all that night his body yearned for Alec's, despite him. He called it lustful, a word easily uttered, and opposed it to his work, his family, his friends, his position in society. […] But his body would not be convinced.

Anne, please tell me over again that you like me a little bit. I yearn to hear it.

Word Forms

• yearns
• yearning
• yearned
• yearnt
• no-table-tags
• glossary
• yearn
• yearnest
• yearnedst
• yearneth
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Synonyms for yearn

Related Words

When Should You Use Yearn?

Use yearn when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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