linger
verb (used without object)
to remain or stay on in a place longer than is usual or expected, as if from reluctance to leave.
lingered
-
past participleof linger.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof linger.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
lingerverb (used without object)to remain or stay on in a place longer than is usual or expected, as if from reluctance to leave.
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.
The match eventually resumed on the fourth day and the cancellation of the tour was narrowly avoided, but mistrust and ill-feeling between England and Pakistan lingered for years later.
From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026
In 1980, it was renamed the National Museum of American History, but the tension lingered.
From Salon ● Sep. 25, 2026
U.S. stocks ended mixed as buzz about AI products propelled large tech companies to more record highs even as energy inflation fears lingered.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026
After the memorial service, El-Sayed lingered for a bit to shake the hands of people in attendance.
From Slate ● Sep. 17, 2026
Anya, Ivan, and Håkon lingered with Ilya as the horses moved ahead of them.
From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack
