Definition of ending

The word "ending" has its roots in Old English. The term can be traced back to the 9th century, during the Anglian period. The earliest recorded use of the word is found in the epic poem "Beowulf," written around 800 AD. The Old English word "endung" referred to the completion or termination of something, such as a task, project, or life. It can be broken down into two parts: "end," meaning "head" or "source," and "ung," a suffix indicating a process or state. As English evolved, the spelling and meaning of "ending" shifted. By the 14th century, the modern spelling "ending" emerged, referring to the conclusion or final stage of something, whether a story, an event, or a circumstance. Over time, the word has taken on multiple meanings and uses in various contexts, from literature and storytelling to everyday conversations.