linger

1 of 2

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

lingerer

2 of 2

noun

lin·​ger·​er -gərə(r) 

plural -s

: one that lingers

Synonyms of linger

Verb

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

Examples of linger in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

At-home chemical peels can help maintain certain results by exfoliating dead skin cells, smoothing texture, and gradually fading lingering discoloration. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026

The shark lingered at the canal’s mouth but eventually swam to sea, Busan Mayor Chun Jae-soo said. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Sunday through Monday will be cooler with highs closer to normal and rain chances lingering. — Joseph Dames, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

The storm has lingered nearly a week off North Carolina, creating prolonged impact on the Outer Banks. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Verb

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