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

One of the crania still had some brain residues clinging to the inside, which suggests the brain was in there during secondary burial. — Annalee Newitz, Ars Technica, "8,000-year-old heads on spikes found in Swedish lake," 22 Feb. 2018 The tahini clung to mushy tuna cubes in a bitter, chalky shroud. — Michael Nagrant, RedEye Chicago, "Clever Rabbit boasts flavorful cocktails, but veggie-centric dishes lack freshness and seasoning," 18 July 2017 Bake 25 to 35 minutes until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs clinging. — Woman's Day, "Food + Drinks," 17 Nov. 2011 Right now, Republicans are clinging to a 50-49 majority, with the late Sen. John McCain’s seat soon to be filled by a Republican. — Dylan Scott, Vox, "The 10 most important Senate elections, briefly explained," 18 Sep. 2018 An emaciated 10-month-old puppy is clinging to life not quite two days after she was found buried beneath a pile of trash inside a Kenilworth Park apartment. — Mary Carole Mccauley, baltimoresun.com, "Emaciated puppy found under pile of trash is fighting for her life," 13 July 2018 Milwaukee was clinging to a 3-2 lead when things quickly got out of hand. — Todd Rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Reds 12, Brewers 3: Tight affair turns into laugher in seventh inning," 30 June 2018 The Phillies were then clinging to just a one-run lead in the sixth inning. — Matt Breen, Philly.com, "Phillies beat Brewers as Gabe Kapler's gamble to pinch-hit Maikel Franco, pull Zach Eflin pays off," 16 June 2018 Historically speaking, the Raptors are clinging to their wins in at least one road game in five of the last eight playoff series. — Joe Vardon, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors, Eastern Conference semifinals Game 4 preview and listings," 7 May 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.