Linger | Definition of linger by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of LINGER

intransitive verb

1

: to be slow in parting or in quitting something : tarry <fans lingered outside the door>

2

a : to remain alive although gradually dying

b : to remain existent although often waning in strength, importance, or influence <lingering doubts> <lingering odors>

3

: to be slow to act : procrastinate

4

: to move slowly : saunter

transitive verb

1

obsolete : delay

2

: to pass (as a period of time) slowly

— lin·ger·er \-gər-ər\ noun

— lin·ger·ing·ly \-g(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb

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Origin of LINGER

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

Related to LINGER

Synonyms: crawl, creep, dally, dawdle, diddle, dillydally, drag, lag, delay, loiter, lollygag (also lallygag), mope, poke, shilly-shally, tarry

Antonyms: barrel, bolt, career, course, dash, fly, hasten, hotfoot (it), hurry, race, rip, rocket, run, rush, scoot, scud, scurry, speed, tear, whirl, whisk, whiz (or whizz), zip

Rhymes with LINGER

finger

Definition of LINGER for Kids

1

: to be slow in leaving : delay <We lingered at the park.>

2

: to continue to exist as time passes <A faint smell of fried fish lingered about the place … — J. K. Rowling, Chamber of Secrets>

Learn More About LINGER

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "linger"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "linger"

Nglish: Translation of "linger" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "linger" for Arabic speakers

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