nostalgia

American  

[no-stal-juh, -jee-uh, nuh-] / nɒˈstæl dʒə, -dʒi ə, nə- /

noun

1. a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one's life, to one's home or homeland, or to one's family and friends; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time.

   a nostalgia for his college days.

2. something that elicits or displays nostalgia.

---

nostalgia British  

/ -dʒɪə, nɒˈstældʒə /

noun

1. a yearning for the return of past circumstances, events, etc

2. the evocation of this emotion, as in a book, film, etc

3. longing for home or family; homesickness

---

Other Word Forms

• nostalgic adjective

Etymology

Origin of nostalgia

First recorded in 1770–80; from New Latin, from Greek nóst(os) “a return home” + -algia -algia

Example Sentences

"After a long run of pared-back, neutral or traditional Christmases, people seem much more willing to embrace fun, excess and nostalgia again," says Harry Bradshaw, from events and interiors styling company At Last Events.

From BBC

There’s a special kind of satisfaction in taking a recipe that carries a little nostalgia and bringing it back to the table with fresh life.

From Salon

After ogling old cars, lean into nostalgia in the Meadow Gold District, dotted with retro shops and “muffler men,” giant fiberglass statues of a lumberjack, a cowboy and more.

From The Wall Street Journal

Cirkut: Going into it, I had ideas of: OK, I want to draw influences from some of her earlier music so we can feel that nostalgia of the Gaga songs that we love.

From Los Angeles Times

Some dishes are forever trapped in the wrong season, and the blueberry muffin has long been one of them for me; an eternal July snack slathered in nostalgia and sunshine.

From Salon

Related Words

• longing
• remorse
• sentimentality
• wistfulness
• yearning