Definition of linger
lingered;
lingering
play
\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 alive although gradually dying
- was seriously ill, but lingered on for several months
b
:to remain existent although often waning in strength, importance, or influence
- lingering doubts
- lingering odors
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
