loiter
verb (used without object)
to linger aimlessly or as if aimless in or about a place.
are loitering
-
present progressiveof loiter.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
About 75 tankers are loitering in Venezuelan waters, and half are on Treasury’s blacklist for sanctions violators, according to TankerTrackers.com.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 18, 2025
“People are loitering there on the plaza and it is spilling into the ancillary areas, which makes it even more of an emergency.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 14, 2023
“Now, they are loitering around, which puts them at risk of being trafficked,” said Razia Sultana, a lawyer and a Rohingya rights activist.
From New York Times ● May 2, 2022
The Australians are loitering around the edge of the field, in the shade of the tunnel out from the changing room.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 4, 2010
When you are loitering on the perilous precipices, where the fire-flowers blow, words are little ropes and holds by which you keep your footing.
From Pink Gods and Blue Demons by Cynthia Stockley
