clingy

adjective

ˈkliŋ-ē 

clingier; clingiest

: having the quality of clinging to someone or something: such as

a

: tending to adhere to a surface upon contact

a clingy plastic wrap

clingy fabrics/clothes

In her clingiest [=tightest-fitting] dress she swings into town and soon has the men howling.

—Peter Travers

b

: tending to stay very close to someone (such as a parent) for emotional support, protection, etc.

a clingy child

Some kids act out or become whiny to get a parent's attention; others become clingy or fearful.

—Leah Hennen

clinginess noun

disliked the fabric's clinginess

Any number of women I interviewed cited clinginess in a boyfriend as a major deal breaker.

—Liza Mundy

Synonyms

• adhesive
• sticky

Examples of clingy in a Sentence

it took forever to clean up the clingy Styrofoam pellets that had been used as packing material for the lamp

Recent Examples on the Web

Jenner opted for all-black—a Kylie failsafe—wearing a black bra under a clingy cut-out dress with criss-cross straps on the front, paired with black stilettos, and a small bag leather bag. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2025

Dogs can exhibit one or more symptoms of grief, including withdrawal from people and pets, lack of appetite, lethargy, unusual aggression or destructive behaviors, searching for a companion dog, increased vocalization or becoming clingy. —Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025

There are some beach hacks out there that suggest using talcum powder to get the clingy stuff off. —Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2025

The best nipple covers and sticky bras offer modesty and smoothing under clingy or semi-sheer fabrics, while boob tape takes it further by providing lift, shape, and support for plunging necklines or unconventional cuts. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 16 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for clingy

• dinghy
• springy
• stringy