static cling

noun

: the tendency of a material (such as fabric) to adhere to another material or surface because of a buildup of static electricity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Plaid blanket skirts were layered over plaid tights (some static cling was involved) or plaid pants under plaid sweaters in marigold and grape, raspberry and that electric blue. Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2023 These dryer balls can also help reduce static cling and collect lint and pet hair from clothing. Erica Reagle, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Nov. 2022 Online reviewers note that the microfiber material is plush and comfortable but prone to static cling. Amanda Constantine, Good Housekeeping, 12 Dec. 2022 Other benefits include fewer wrinkles and static cling. Erica Reagle, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Nov. 2022 The outer rim sticks to glass using static cling, and by all accounts has no trouble holding itself in place semi-permanently. Talon Homer, Popular Mechanics, 23 May 2022 Some are made from polypropylene, the plastic that produces static cling; others from silver or copper, which have antimicrobial properties. Sara Ashley O'brien, CNN, 4 Aug. 2021 Some are made from polypropylene, the plastic that produces static cling; others from silver or copper, which have antimicrobial properties. Sara Ashley O'brien, CNN, 4 Aug. 2021 Some are made from polypropylene, the plastic that produces static cling; others from silver or copper, which have antimicrobial properties. Sara Ashley O'brien, CNN, 4 Aug. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'static cling.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of static cling was in 1957

Dictionary Entries Near static cling

Cite this Entry

“Static cling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/static%20cling. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY