linger

verb

lin·​ger ˈliŋ-gər 

lingered; lingering ˈliŋ-g(ə-)riŋ 

intransitive verb

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

transitive verb

1

: to pass (a period of time) slowly

2

obsolete : delay

lingerer

ˈliŋ-gər-ər 

noun

lingeringly

ˈliŋ-g(ə-)riŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of linger

• delay
• drag
• crawl
• poke
• loiter
• stroll

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 short summer nights (and this week’s first quarter moon) may make faint aurora harder to see, with lingering twilight reducing the contrast required to spot a glow low on the northern horizon. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

With the full bar, there’s even more reason to crowd the table, and linger over dinner. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

There is also the lingering issue of Hellebuyck’s future with the team. — Murat Ates, New York Times, 20 July 2026

The camera doesn’t linger on Robertson longer than any of the other members. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English (northern dialect) lengeren to dwell, frequentative of lengen to prolong, from Old English lengan; akin to Old English lang long

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for linger

• finger
• forefinger

Kids Definition

linger

verb

lin·​ger ˈliŋ-gər 

lingered; lingering -g(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to be slow in quitting a place or activity

lingered in bed

2

: to be slow to act

lingerer

-gər-ər 

noun

lingeringly

-g(ə-)riŋ-lē 

adverb