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

The state enjoys a strong bond rating, despite some lingering fiscal issues. — Scott Cohn, CNBC, 13 July 2026

Finally, there is Lacey Campbell, still trying to find her own place in the world, while grappling with the many lingering questions about her own mother’s 2018 death. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 July 2026

The flood threat could finally ease by Friday or Saturday, but some lingering pockets of showers and storms will remain possible, especially in West Texas. — Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 13 July 2026

These clouds will linger across the Central Valley through Monday and Tuesday morning before slowly lifting to the Sierra later Tuesday afternoon. — Sean MacAday 13, Sacbee.com, 13 July 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