cling

verb

\ ˈkliŋ

clung\ ˈkləŋ

\; clinging

Definition of cling

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1a : to hold together

b : to adhere as if glued firmly The shirt clung to his wet shoulders.

c : to hold or hold on tightly or tenaciously The kitten clung to the narrow branch.

2a : to have a strong emotional attachment or dependence he clung to his friends for support

b : to remain or linger as if resisting complete spreading or scattering The odor clung to the room for hours.

cling

noun

plural clings

Definition of cling (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : an act or instance of clinging : adherence

2 : clingstone

3 : a sheet of material (such as plastic or vinyl) designed to adhere to a flat surface by static electricity and often printed with an image or message When it's time for a new look, simply peel off the clings and store them away for another day.— Lorna Hordos

Other Words from cling Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about cling

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Synonyms & Antonyms for cling

Synonyms: Verb

adhere, cleave, hew, stick

Synonyms: Noun

adherence, adhesion, bonding

Antonyms: Noun

unsticking

Choose the Right Synonym for cling

Verb

stick, adhere, cohere, cling, cleave mean to become closely attached. stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together. couldn't get the label to stick adhere is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together. antibodies adhering to a virus cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass. eggs will make the mixture cohere cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils. clinging to a capsized boat cleave stresses strength of attachment. the wet shirt cleaved to his back

Examples of cling in a Sentence

Verb

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

Noun

for certain types of materials that plastic wrap has very little cling

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The Lions of Teranga took the lead twice during the match through Sadio Mane and Moussa Wague, but were pegged back both times as Japan clung on to claim a point. — SI.com, "Senegal Manager Aliou Cisse Expresses 'Regrets' as Teranga Lions Let Lead Slip Against Japan," 25 June 2018 Morocco continued to carve out opportunities as Patricio clung on well to a curling Belhanda shot, and the Portugal keeper pulled off an even better save minutes later. — Martyn Wood, chicagotribune.com, "Ronaldo again leads Portugal to victory against Morocco," 20 June 2018 Baird said Wednesday as her young daughter clung to her back. — Edward Mckinley, kansascity, "Mom asked Facebook friends to rally in KC against Trump policy. 100 people showed up," 20 June 2018 Soto had two more hits in the second game, the latter advancing Anthony Rendon to second and chasing Sonny Gray with nobody out in the sixth as the Yankees clung to a 3-2 lead. — New York Times, "34 Days Later, the Yankees Lose a Game That Was Halted by Rain," 18 June 2018 The Libyan coast guard vessel drove away as one migrant clung to a ladder on its side. — Chico Harlan, Washington Post, "The retreat of rescue ships from the Mediterranean is a sign of changing odds for migrants," 16 June 2018 Other than that, Griffin fans will just have to cling to the General Hospital reruns and the many, many memories. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Here's the Real Reason Why Matt Cohen A.K.A. Griffin Is Leaving 'General Hospital'," 25 Mar. 2019 An episode randomly visits a methadone clinic as if trying to cling to some kind of social and political relevancy by name-checking the opioid crisis. — Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, "Review: Amy Adams' 'Sharp Objects' needs to be sharper to make its point," 5 July 2018 Ryan and his allies have been trying to head off a power struggle within the House GOP in the wake of his retirement announcement, which comes as the party is fighting to cling to its majority after November congressional elections. — Anna Edgerton, Bloomberg.com, "Ryan Endorses McCarthy as Successor While Conservatives Consider a Bid," 13 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Several spots on the T-shirt and hat clearly reject any attempt by the ketchup and mustard mixture to cling, whereas others afford it a bit of purchase. — Lee Hutchinson, Ars Technica, "The Internet-demanded, partially scientific testing of Ultra-Ever Dry (in HD!)," 4 July 2018 An estimated 40,000 members of the ethnic minority cling to the belief that everything vital in the world originates from a woman, earning the region the nickname Kingdom of Daughters. — Jason Motlagh, Marie Claire, "Kingdom of Women," 18 Jan. 2018 The idea later resulted in a bridal collection of minimalist, no-frills wedding slips with a simple silhouette and carefree cling, complete with adjustable pearl-fastened straps. — Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "Need a Wedding Dress and Pajamas? Sleeper Is the One-Stop Shop for Both," 5 Feb. 2018 Pickled mustard greens are essential, the tang offsetting the velvet cling of liquid fat. — New York Times, "At Happy Stony Noodle, a Childhood Favorite Anchors the Menu," 25 Jan. 2018 The clings are meant to be peeled off after the party and reused at the next event. — Bonnie Mccarthy, latimes.com, "Keep track of your cocktails with drink charms and markers," 16 Dec. 2017 Keith’s chill delivery begets rapid rhymes that hang among the bells and whistles and clings and clangs of the arcade’s vintage machines. — Kevin Warwick, Chicago Reader, "Hip-hop alien Kool Keith again invades Logan Arcade for his annual X-mas extravaganza," 15 Dec. 2017 One simple and inexpensive precaution is a window cling that alerts first responders that a pet is inside the home. — Kelly Mcbride, Cincinnati.com, "Vet clinic reaches out to pet owners who can't afford care," 27 June 2017 Customers station themselves at the table, the windowsill or a low shelf, each set with a saltshaker and an enormous bottle of Valentina hot sauce, which brings good cling, upfront heat and a citrus coda. — Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, "A Shrimp Cocktail With a Jumbo Jolt, at La Esquina in Queens," 4 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cling.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.