clingy

1 of 2

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

clinginess

2 of 2

noun

cling·​i·​ness

ˈkliŋēnə̇s

plural -es

: the quality of being clingy

the clinginess of certain types of dress material

Synonyms of clingy

Adjective

• adhesive
• sticky

Examples of clingy in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Armand tries on personalities — clingy boyfriend, conniving mastermind — and flocks to love interests like new rock star Lestat goes through vats of body glitter. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 July 2026

Instead of anything too clingy or tailored, opt for a more bohemian-style approach with flowy wrap dresses, retro aviator shades, and faux leather sandals that can tackle Paris’ cobblestone streets but still look sleek enough for a beach club in Cannes or Saint-Tropez. — Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026

The collared neckline gives it a polished feel, while the relaxed silhouette is flattering without feeling clingy. — Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026

This cleaner sprays on and foams up to lift and suspend clingy particulates. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1702, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for clingy

• dinghy
• springy
• stringy