yearn
verb (used without object)
to have an earnest or strong desire; long.
has yearned
-
present perfectof yearn (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"My suitcase is packed in my head," she said, explaining that she has yearned to reconnect with everything that she misses about Iran: "the atmosphere, the streets, the neighbours, friends, everything".
From Barron's ● Mar. 13, 2026
The Australian men's Test team has yearned for an all-rounder for years, toying unsuccessfully with options like Mitchell Marsh, Hilton Cartwright, and Moises Henriques.
From BBC ● Dec. 12, 2021
While the Harlem riots of ’64 are underway, Ray is visited by a rep from the company he has yearned to sign on with as an affiliate.
From New York Times ● Sep. 10, 2021
I won’t lie; part of me has yearned for this throwback to 2015-level dramatics, the safe Ryan Murphy bitchiness of it all.
From Salon ● Aug. 25, 2017
Thomas too has yearned to be a soldier.
From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara
