# ends

/ˈɛndz/ (US) · /ˈɛndz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ends
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. final parts

noun · CEFR A2

the final parts or edges of something.

For teachers: the terminal points, extremities, or concluding parts of physical objects or time periods.

- The ends of the rope were starting to come apart after years of use.
- By the time the project reached its final stages, the team was struggling to tie up all the loose ends before the holiday break.

### 2. neighbourhood

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · British English · Dialect

the area where you live or the neighbourhood you come from.

For teachers: the local area or neighbourhood, particularly one's home territory. Plural-only in this sense.

- He hasn't been back to the ends since his family moved to the countryside.
- The artist often references the struggles of growing up in the ends, grounding his lyrics in the specific geography of East London.

Usage: Always used in the plural form.

Teaching tip: This is a core term in Multicultural London English (MLE); it often carries a sense of loyalty or identity regarding one's home district.

### 3. money

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang

a slang word for money.

For teachers: financial means or money. Plural-only in this sense.

- He's just trying to make some ends so he can pay his rent.
- The hustle was never about fame; it was strictly about making ends and securing a future for his siblings.

Usage: Typically used in the plural.

Teaching tip: This sense is less common than the 'neighbourhood' sense and is mostly found in specific urban music genres.

## Examples

- I am just heading back to the ends now.
- He grew up in the ends and still visits his old friends there every weekend.
- The lyrics frequently reference the struggle of navigating life in the ends while trying to achieve mainstream success without losing one's local identity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.