linger

verb

lin·​ger ˈliŋ-gər How to pronounce linger (audio)
lingered; lingering ˈliŋ-g(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce linger (audio)

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 noun
lingeringly adverb

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 But with 2020 a traumatic blur, Trump seems to have become the beneficiary of our collective amnesia, and Biden the repository for lingering emotional discontent. George Makari, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2024 Plans are underway to revamp a 3.6-mile stretch of Hollywood Boulevard, eliminating two traffic lanes along most of the route, adding bicycle lanes and widening sidewalks, where people can linger and restaurant-goers can dine. Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 The accouterment here, ginger, is also in place to neutralize any lingering fishiness. Lucas Sin, Bon Appétit, 20 Mar. 2024 The Cold War would linger until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, but, as General Stafford suggested, the future of space lay in missions with international crews. Richard Goldstein, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2024 Low pressure off the Mid-Atlantic coast (the same one passing to our south on Friday and Saturday), could linger close enough to bring rain or may remain safely offshore. Jason Samenow, Washington Post, 18 Mar. 2024 This is also true for those who have seasonal allergies—showering before bed can ensure that people have gotten rid of any lingering pollen that might otherwise trigger nighttime allergy symptoms. Korin Miller, Health, 16 Mar. 2024 This hair and body mist has a blend of warm spices and floral notes to create a cozy, inviting aroma that lingers gently in your hair. Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2024 Republicans in the state have responded to administration visits by citing how the lingering effects of inflation impact voters. Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'linger.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of linger was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near linger

Cite this Entry

“Linger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linger. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

linger

verb
lin·​ger ˈliŋ-gər How to pronounce linger (audio)
lingered; lingering -g(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce linger (audio)
1
: to be slow in quitting a place or activity
lingered in bed
2
: to be slow to act
lingerer noun
lingeringly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on linger

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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