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
Synonyms
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
The unconscious mind lingers on the problem even after people have used strategies to quiet the fear by pushing it from awareness.
—
Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
For some people, PPD lingers for months and years, increasing in severity over time.
—Wendy Wisner, Health, 5 Nov. 2024
This cough can linger for a month or more, unlike most viral infections that resolve faster.
—Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2024
Meanwhile, the economy itself remains solid, even though major cost pressures linger.
—Shannon Pettypiece, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for linger 
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Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
For some people, PPD lingers for months and years, increasing in severity over time.
—Wendy Wisner, Health, 5 Nov. 2024
This cough can linger for a month or more, unlike most viral infections that resolve faster.
—Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2024
Meanwhile, the economy itself remains solid, even though major cost pressures linger.
—Shannon Pettypiece, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for linger
Dictionary Entries Near linger
Cite this Entry
“Linger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linger. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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