linger

[ling-ger]

verb (used without object)

1. to remain or stay on in a place longer than is usual or expected, as if from reluctance to leave.

   We lingered awhile after the party.

   Synonyms: loiter, tarry

2. to remain alive; continue or persist, although gradually dying, ceasing, disappearing, etc..

   She lingered a few months after the heart attack. Such practices still linger among the older natives.

3. to dwell in contemplation, thought, or enjoyment.

   to linger over the beauty of a painting.

4. to be tardy in action; delay; dawdle.

   to linger in discharging one's duties.

   Synonyms: tarry

5. to walk slowly; saunter along.

   Synonyms: loiter

verb (used with object)

1. to pass (time, life, etc.) in a leisurely or a tedious manner (usually followed by away orout ).

   We lingered away the whole summer at the beach.

2. Archaic.,  to draw out or protract.

linger

/ ˈlɪŋɡə /

verb

1. to delay or prolong departure

2. to go in a slow or leisurely manner; saunter

3. to remain just alive for some time prior to death

4. to persist or continue, esp in the mind

5. to be slow to act; dither; procrastinate

Other Word Forms

• lingeringly adverb
• lingerer noun
• lingering adjective
• outlinger verb (used with object)
• overlinger verb (used without object)
• unlingering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of linger¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English lengeren “to dwell, remain,” literally, “to delay repeatedly,” from lengen, Old English lengan “to delay, lengthen, prolong”; long ¹, -er ⁶

Word History and Origins

Origin of linger¹

C13 (northern dialect) lengeren to dwell, from lengen to prolong, from Old English lengan; related to Old Norse lengja; see _long ¹

Example Sentences

Therrien never opened the gallery to the public but often hosted museum groups and curators, taking them to his adjacent apartment afterward and lingering over a long lunch of salad served from a giant bowl.

From Los Angeles Times

The Raiders’ defense is solid, but questions linger about their offense.

From Los Angeles Times

When a federal judge deemed Google a “monopolist” last year, questions lingered about how he would help restore competition in online search.

From Los Angeles Times

House Democrats introduced a resolution to censure Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., on Wednesday, citing allegations of assault and lingering questions about his military record.

From Salon

A few hikers lingered on their mats, watching the moon rise.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dawdle 
• drift 
• idle 
• remain 
• stay 
• stick around 
• wait