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

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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Debt from a 2018 restructuring lingered and mall traffic, especially in secondary locations, continued to decline. Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Even as Andrew James McGann sits in jail accused of the ghastly double murder of parents on a hike at a state park in the Ozark Mountains, key questions linger about the motive. Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025 The active weather pattern is expected to linger through midweek, with storms possible and temperatures returning to near normal, with highs in the mid-80s to lower 90s. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2025 Temperatures will finally drop below 110, lingering around the 100-degree mark. Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for linger

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Linger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linger. Accessed 18 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: to be slow in quitting a place or activity
lingered in bed
2
: to be slow to act

More from Merriam-Webster on linger

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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