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.
While there are still many questions lingering about how California will bring its workforce back to primarily in-person work in the coming months, the impact on state workers’ telework stipend is clearly defined. William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 11 Mar. 2025 Since dry goods can linger in kitchens long after a recall is announced, consumer awareness is even more key to avoiding potential health risks. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 California is desperate to make up the rain necessary to tamp down its lingering wildfire threat. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025 Tariffs are expected to raise prices for many goods even as post-Covid inflation lingers. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Mar. 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 20 Mar. 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

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