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
Indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha ended in deadlock last week with the sides trading blame for the impasse and gaps lingering over issues including the extent of an Israeli military withdrawal.
—
Maayan Lubell, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
The case lingered unsolved for more than five years before Allen, who worked at the local pharmacy, was arrested and charged with murder.
—Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 1 Aug. 2025
So rather than linger on that, Tamra brings up the Single White Female stuff, beginning with the hair extensions.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2025
The two Queens politicians sat on the lobby floor chanting with the other protesters, as cops lingered at the back of the lobby.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linger
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.
Maayan Lubell, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
The case lingered unsolved for more than five years before Allen, who worked at the local pharmacy, was arrested and charged with murder.
—Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 1 Aug. 2025
So rather than linger on that, Tamra brings up the Single White Female stuff, beginning with the hair extensions.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2025
The two Queens politicians sat on the lobby floor chanting with the other protesters, as cops lingered at the back of the lobby.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 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 5 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share