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
Each time a child left, the emotional toll was unbearable, and the sadness lingered long after they were gone.
—
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 27 June 2025
The camera lingers for too long on his pained, Grecian-bust features.
—Judy Berman, Time, 26 June 2025
In 2022, Cruz reached Double-A but still had lingering command issues.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025
However, there are lingering threats of electronic interference that can impact a ship’s navigation systems with high levels reported during dark periods, JMIC says.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for linger
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Valerie Mesa, People.com, 27 June 2025
The camera lingers for too long on his pained, Grecian-bust features.
—Judy Berman, Time, 26 June 2025
In 2022, Cruz reached Double-A but still had lingering command issues.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025
However, there are lingering threats of electronic interference that can impact a ship’s navigation systems with high levels reported during dark periods, JMIC says.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for linger
Cite this Entry
“Linger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linger. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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