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 winter storm and weather conditions are expected to linger through June 29, with weather alerts in effect through the morning or midday, depending on location.
—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
The sprawling heat dome will linger over the East, particularly the I-95 corridor, and peak by Friday, just in time for the long Fourth of July weekend.
—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
29 June 2026
Days are sunny and comfortably warm, while evenings cool off just enough for a sweater—perfect for lingering on a terrace with a glass of local wine.
—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Travel + Leisure,
28 June 2026
After being denied by Cuba, the ship approached Florida and lingered offshore, so close the passengers could see the lights of Miami.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for linger
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Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
The sprawling heat dome will linger over the East, particularly the I-95 corridor, and peak by Friday, just in time for the long Fourth of July weekend.
—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
29 June 2026
Days are sunny and comfortably warm, while evenings cool off just enough for a sweater—perfect for lingering on a terrace with a glass of local wine.
—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Travel + Leisure,
28 June 2026
After being denied by Cuba, the ship approached Florida and lingered offshore, so close the passengers could see the lights of Miami.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for linger
Cite this Entry
“Linger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linger. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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