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.

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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

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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

By now, board games were a nostalgia lifeline, an intergenerational pastime that brought people together and reminded them of times before the war.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s human nature to look at the new world with nostalgia for the past.

From The Wall Street Journal

Reporters at that comeback show noted that most of his fans were now — horrors! — over 30, with the exception of a 25-year-old who said he attended out of nostalgia.

From Los Angeles Times

In contrast, older fans are driving growth—drawn to nostalgia, hands-on hobbies and premium collectibles that can sell for hundreds of dollars.

From The Wall Street Journal

While the special won't be a traditional episode, fans have been told to expect "heartfelt nostalgia and a fresh perspective" from Cyrus.

From BBC

Related Words

• longing
• remorse
• sentimentality
• wistfulness
• yearning