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
Private patios are planted with succulents and shaded by native trees, while the center of the property is anchored by a sunken dipping pool and communal fire pit perfect for lingering evenings and slow conversations.
—
Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
Managers don’t always appreciate lingering legacies.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
But amid the fanfare of parades, fireworks and airshows, a long-standing debate over what to call the holiday continues, a subtle acknowledgment of the lingering scars of a contentious war.
—Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Some dry coughs linger for several weeks after a respiratory infection like the common cold or flu.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linger
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
Managers don’t always appreciate lingering legacies.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
But amid the fanfare of parades, fireworks and airshows, a long-standing debate over what to call the holiday continues, a subtle acknowledgment of the lingering scars of a contentious war.
—Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Some dry coughs linger for several weeks after a respiratory infection like the common cold or flu.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 Apr. 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 4 May. 2025.
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