Main Entry: lin·ger

Pronunciation: \ˈliŋ-gər\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): lin·gered; lin·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\

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

Date: 14th century

intransitive verb 1 : 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 : procrastinate
4 : to move slowly : sauntertransitive verb 1 obsolete : delay
2 : to pass (as a period of time) slowly

— lin·ger·er \-gər-ər\ noun

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