Main Entry:

lin·ger

Pronunciation:

\ˈliŋ-gər\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

lin·gered; lin·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\

Etymology:

Middle English (northern dialect) lengeren to dwell, frequentative of lengen to prolong, from Old English lengan; akin to Old English lang long

Date:

14th century

intransitive verb1: to be slow in parting or in quitting something : tarry <fans lingered outside the door>2 a: to remain alive although gradually dying b: to remain existent although often waning in strength, importance, or influence <lingering doubts> <lingering odors>3: to be slow to act : procrastinate4: to move slowly : sauntertransitive verb1obsolete : delay2: to pass (as a period of time) slowly

— lin·ger·er \-gər-ər\ noun

— lin·ger·ing·ly \-g(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb