Synonyms

linger

American

[ling-ger] / ˈlɪŋ gər /

verb (used without object)

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
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.
to dwell in contemplation, thought, or enjoyment.

to linger over the beauty of a painting.
to be tardy in action; delay; dawdle.

to linger in discharging one's duties.

Synonyms:

tarry
to walk slowly; saunter along.

Synonyms:

loiter

verb (used with object)

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.
Archaic. to draw out or protract.

linger British

/ ˈlɪŋɡə /

verb

to delay or prolong departure
to go in a slow or leisurely manner; saunter
to remain just alive for some time prior to death
to persist or continue, esp in the mind
to be slow to act; dither; procrastinate

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of linger

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

Explanation

When someone lingers, he or she takes an unexpectedly long time to depart, as Romeo lingers when bidding Juliet farewell (or as annoying houseguests almost always tend to do). In addition to its primary meaning of "taking a long time to depart," linger has the additional meaning of "persisting while gradually weakening." In this sense, linger can refer to feelings or sensations that slowly fade away, like the smell of perfume that lingers in an elevator after the passengers have exited.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing linger

The Diary of Anne Frank

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List 5

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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 12–15

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Instead, Linger has become a permanent fixture of their live shows.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

“As 2023 Begins, Worry and Fear Linger After a Topsy-Turvy Year,” The Hollywood Reporter fretted, calling the ups and downs of the 2022 box office “dramatic.”

From New York Times • Dec. 1, 2023

The group, known for 1990s hits such as "Zombie" and "Linger", went on to become Ireland's best-selling rock band after U2, selling more than 40 million records.

From Reuters • Sep. 6, 2021

Linger than three years, I have a long history in social justice work that includes racial justice and fighting police brutality.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2020

"Not you, Camellia, not yet. Linger behind a moment."

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023