cling

¹cling

verb \ˈkliŋ\

clung\ˈkləŋ\cling·ing

Definition of CLING

intransitive verb

1

a : to hold together b : to adhere as if glued firmly c : to hold or hold on tightly or tenaciously

2

a : to have a strong emotional attachment or dependence <he clung to his friends for support> b : to remain or linger as if resisting complete dissipation or dispersal <the odor clung to the room for hours>

— cling·er \ˈkliŋ-ər\ noun

— clingy \ˈkliŋ-ē\ adjective

Examples of CLING

1. The children clung together under the little umbrella waiting for the storm to pass.
2. <a dozen magnets clinging to the refrigerator>

Origin of CLING

Middle English, from Old English clingan; akin to Old High German klunga tangled ball of thread

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to CLING

Synonyms: adhere, cleave, stick, hew

Related Words: bind, cohere, fasten, fuse, glue, unite

Near Antonyms: loosen; drop, fall

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See Synonym Discussion at stick

Rhymes with CLING

bring, Ching, ding, fling, king, ling, Ming, ping, ring, sing, sling, spring, sting, string, swing, thing, wing, wring, zing