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
However, one lingering cosmological mystery that the JWST hasn't had a major impact on is the nature of dark matter.
—
Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 Dec. 2025
Research suggests flu viruses in humid air can cling to water molecules and fall out of the air, preventing them from lingering and infecting others.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Dec. 2025
Still, economists caution the numbers may not be as reliable as usual thanks to the lingering effects of the government shutdown.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 16 Dec. 2025
Departures are part of the cutthroat sports business, but this trio of goodbyes is likely to linger with fans for a long time.
—Johnny Resendiz, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linger
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Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 Dec. 2025
Research suggests flu viruses in humid air can cling to water molecules and fall out of the air, preventing them from lingering and infecting others.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Dec. 2025
Still, economists caution the numbers may not be as reliable as usual thanks to the lingering effects of the government shutdown.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 16 Dec. 2025
Departures are part of the cutthroat sports business, but this trio of goodbyes is likely to linger with fans for a long time.
—Johnny Resendiz, CBS News, 16 Dec. 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 20 Dec. 2025.
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