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

• adherent
• adhesive
• gluey
• glutinous
• gummy
• sticky
• tacky
• tenacious
• viscid

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

Made with a microfiber blend and equipped with extra material on the top, this bed allows dogs to dig and scratch without damaging the bed, and is resistant to clingy fur, drool, and other things that make a bed look weathered faster. —Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 15 July 2024

Since this happened, Opal has reverted to being clingy and wakes up with that conversation on her mind. —Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 8 July 2024

The twisted off-the-shoulder top and clingy trousers felt relaxed and chic. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 24 June 2024

Comer was dressed mainly in knits and clingy sweaters. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 22 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above