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
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
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.
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
Cite this Entry
“Linger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linger. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share