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.
had lingered
-
past perfectof linger.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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 third and most critical problem for the Phillies was that Betts had lingered close to second base, shadowing Castellanos.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2025
But the illness had lingered so long - almost eight years - that it left him with ongoing autoimmune conditions.
From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2023
Ellison likewise didn’t sound too confident here, stating that this problem had lingered for a while, thanks to the Alameda lenders who’d begun recalling their loans in the summer.
From Slate ● Oct. 12, 2023
At the cabin, they also discovered a miner who had lingered too long.
From New York Times ● Mar. 25, 2023
In the sudden darkness of her bedroom, the words had lingered as if imprinted in her forehead: not enough.
From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older
