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 tenaciously2 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