Main Entry: ¹cling

Pronunciation: \ˈkliŋ\

Function: intransitive verb

Inflected Form(s): clung \ˈkləŋ\; cling·ing

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

Date: before 12th century

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>

synonyms see stick

— cling·er \ˈkliŋ-ər\ noun

— clingy \ˈkliŋ-ē\ adjective