lingered; lingering
ˈliŋ-g(ə-)riŋ 
1
: to be slow in parting or in quitting something : tarry
fans lingered outside the door
2
a
: to remain existent although often waning in strength, importance, or influence
lingering doubts
lingering odors
b
: to remain alive although gradually dying
was seriously ill, but lingered on for several months
3
: to be slow to act : procrastinate
He lingered in settling the estate in order to increase his fees.
4
: to move slowly : saunter
lingering homeward
Examples of linger in a Sentence
The tourists didn't linger very long.
She lingered at the art exhibit.
He lingered in bed and missed breakfast.
They lingered over coffee after dinner.
The heat lingered long after the sun had gone down.
The smell of her perfume lingered.
The idea lingered in their minds.
Recent Examples on the Web
The finish is medium-long and sweet, with lingering baking spice and a touch of aged oak.
—
Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
After so much anticipation, some observers were disappointed by the lingering uncertainty over the exact whereabouts of the spacecraft’s grave.
—Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
For more than the past year, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has missed among the most votes of any senator, rarely attended committee hearings, and become increasingly isolated from his colleagues amid reports of lingering mental health troubles.
—Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2025
Dip the Blooms: Submerge the flowers in a bowl of cool water for a few seconds to rinse off any lingering ants.
—Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for linger
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
After so much anticipation, some observers were disappointed by the lingering uncertainty over the exact whereabouts of the spacecraft’s grave.
—Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
For more than the past year, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has missed among the most votes of any senator, rarely attended committee hearings, and become increasingly isolated from his colleagues amid reports of lingering mental health troubles.
—Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2025
Dip the Blooms: Submerge the flowers in a bowl of cool water for a few seconds to rinse off any lingering ants.
—Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for linger
Cite this Entry
“Linger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linger. Accessed 19 May. 2025.
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