nostalgia

[no-stal-juh, -jee-uh, nuh-]

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.

nostalgia

/ -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

Other Word Forms

• nostalgic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nostalgia¹

First recorded in 1770–80; from New Latin, from Greek nóst(os) “a return home” + -algia -algia

Word History and Origins

Origin of nostalgia¹

C18: New Latin (translation of German Heimweh homesickness), from Greek nostos a return home + _-algia

Example Sentences

That name is more likely to elicit polite recognition than the ecstatic nostalgia Oasis still inspires.

From Los Angeles Times

Long Island’s Hooters location has been cited as one of the few recent success stories, showing that nostalgia and a more inclusive approach can attract broader audiences.

From Salon

What might help, though, is the nostalgia trend that has taken over social media feeds and High Streets in recent months.

From BBC

These places were never meant to be for the sophisticated “cognoscenti” or fragrance enthusiasts, but the most popular scents and profiles of today bring an air of nostalgia for those youthful, care-free times.

From Salon

That nostalgia is part of the online reaction.

From Salon

Related Words

• longing 
• remorse 
• sentimentality 
• wistfulness 
• yearning