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
Synonyms
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
These historic areas are now openly accessible, but the legacy of segregation lingers, impacting diversity on L.A.’s beaches today.
—
Natalie Preddie, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025
No matter each individual’s previous experience with Shabbat, there was a widespread warmth and engagement with the holiday that lingered between each table.
—Sammi Tapper, Vogue, 2 Feb. 2025
Restaurants Pushing Back Against Difficult Customers Restaurant workers frequently deal with customers who linger past closing time, delaying cleanup and extending shifts.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025
And that’s after the council slashed costs in 2023 by agreeing to allow more floodwater to linger on roads and to design for a smaller storm with less rain.
—Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for linger 
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Natalie Preddie, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025
No matter each individual’s previous experience with Shabbat, there was a widespread warmth and engagement with the holiday that lingered between each table.
—Sammi Tapper, Vogue, 2 Feb. 2025
Restaurants Pushing Back Against Difficult Customers Restaurant workers frequently deal with customers who linger past closing time, delaying cleanup and extending shifts.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025
And that’s after the council slashed costs in 2023 by agreeing to allow more floodwater to linger on roads and to design for a smaller storm with less rain.
—Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for linger
Dictionary Entries Near linger
Cite this Entry
“Linger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linger. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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