clingy

adjective

ˈkliŋ-ē 

clingier; clingiest

: having the quality of clinging to someone or something: such as

a

: tending to adhere to a surface upon contact

a clingy plastic wrap

clingy fabrics/clothes

In her clingiest [=tightest-fitting] dress she swings into town and soon has the men howling.

—Peter Travers

b

: tending to stay very close to someone (such as a parent) for emotional support, protection, etc.

a clingy child

Some kids act out or become whiny to get a parent's attention; others become clingy or fearful.

—Leah Hennen

clinginess noun

disliked the fabric's clinginess

Any number of women I interviewed cited clinginess in a boyfriend as a major deal breaker.

—Liza Mundy

Synonyms of clingy

• adhesive
• sticky

Examples of clingy in a Sentence

it took forever to clean up the clingy Styrofoam pellets that had been used as packing material for the lamp

Recent Examples on the Web

Styled as always by Brad Goreski, the actor’s ultra-sheer, clingy black lace dress featured a plunged neckline that almost reached her bellybutton, fastening with one delicate strap and clasp at the chest. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025

On whale cams, clingy fish steal the show The marine scientist who recorded the accidental close-ups of the remoras’ high-speed whale surfing had placed suction-cup cameras on humpbacks during their annual migration from Antarctica to the waters off Australia’s Queensland state. —CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025

There is the introduction of Gemma’s clingy boyfriend, two quibbling neighbors and an overbearing building maintenance man. —Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 5 Nov. 2025

Kids this age may still act more clingy in certain situations that are new or feel overwhelming. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for clingy

• dinghy
• springy
• stringy