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

• 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

There are some beach hacks out there that suggest using talcum powder to get the clingy stuff off. —Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2025

Some cat owners even describe their cats as being incredibly clingy and never leaving them alone. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025

The best nipple covers and sticky bras offer modesty and smoothing under clingy or semi-sheer fabrics, while boob tape takes it further by providing lift, shape, and support for plunging necklines or unconventional cuts. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 16 July 2025

Preschool-age children are likely to have behavioral changes such as becoming clingy, waking up frequently at night or becoming pickier eaters. —Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for clingy

• dinghy
• springy
• stringy