How to Pronounce Yearning

To pronounce "yearning", say YEARN-ing — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈjɜːnɪŋ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

yearning

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Accent

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2

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˈjɜːnɪŋ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “yearning”

"yearning" has 2 syllables: yearn-ing. It rhymes with discerning and burning, if that helps it stick.

What does yearning mean?

verb

  1. To long, have a strong desire (for something).

    “All I yearn for is a simple life.”

  2. To long for something in the past with melancholy, nostalgically.

verb

  1. To curdle, as milk.

noun

  1. A wistful or melancholy longing.

    “She had a yearning to see her long-lost sister again.”

Hear “yearning” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with yearning

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

discerningburningconcerninglearningturningchurningreturningoverturningkerningspurningadjourning

Related words

wistfullongingsaddesireaspirationambitionwishwishing

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "yearning"?▾

"Yearning" has 2 syllables: yearn · ing.

What is the IPA transcription of "yearning"?▾

The IPA transcription of "yearning" is /ˈjɜːnɪŋ/.

What does "yearning" mean?▾

Yearning: To long, have a strong desire (for something).

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