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

Elder Price, a seemingly perfect young Mormon man, gets teamed up with the dorky and clingy Elder Cunningham for their mission assignment — an odd couple that proselytizes together. —Vulture Editors, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are a big contributor to the clingy smell that lingers long after the fire has died down. —Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025

After a dip in the pool or ocean, wet fabric can feel heavy and clingy, so materials like polyester, nylon, or lightweight cotton blends are ideal fabrics for drying fast and keeping you comfortable. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2025

Being extra needy and clingy is a common indicator of this, Dr. Serle notes. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for clingy

• dinghy
• springy
• stringy