lingers; lingered; lingering
1
: to stay somewhere beyond the usual or expected time
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.
2
a
: to continue to exist as time passes
The heat lingered long after the sun had gone down.
The smell of her perfume lingered.
The idea lingered in their minds.
—often + onHis unhappiness/resentment lingered on.
The rain lingered on for days.
b
: to remain alive while becoming weaker
—usually + on
He was very ill, but he lingered on for several more months.
Cite this Entry
“Linger.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/linger. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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