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 long, with lingering notes of vanilla, lightly tannic oak, and spices.
—
Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Along with sending any bad odors out, the fresh air is also a great way to circulate any mustiness and help clear out any lingering germs that may be in the air.
—Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 31 May 2026
Southern California residents should give nesting birds plenty of space and avoid lingering near nest sites, the post said.
—Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
The forecast for Monday morning included a potential for lingering rain shower or storm activity from Sunday night into the early morning.
—The Star, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for linger
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Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Along with sending any bad odors out, the fresh air is also a great way to circulate any mustiness and help clear out any lingering germs that may be in the air.
—Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 31 May 2026
Southern California residents should give nesting birds plenty of space and avoid lingering near nest sites, the post said.
—Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
The forecast for Monday morning included a potential for lingering rain shower or storm activity from Sunday night into the early morning.
—The Star, Kansas City Star, 31 May 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 2 Jun. 2026.
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