yearn
verb (used without object)
to have an earnest or strong desire; long.
was yearning
-
past progressiveof yearn.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
When he opened up to Louise, he realised he'd missed "what she was yearning" -holding her hand and listening to her.
From BBC ● Dec. 28, 2025
“I think the city was yearning for someone they could believe in,” Mr. Harris told The Washington Times.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 6, 2023
Each pitch bore the possibility that it would be the walk-off blast the crowd was yearning, willing to happen.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 11, 2023
“He was yearning for the house in which he grew up, friends and his dear Mariupol,” she wrote on Telegram.
From New York Times ● Oct. 22, 2022
He knew that Buddy was yearning to be with him, aching to share his confidence; but that could not happen now.
From "Native Son" by Richard Wright
