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.
have been lingering
-
present perfect progressiveof linger.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Crude prices have been lingering around $100 a barrel as the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route looked like it would remain blocked for the foreseeable future.
From Barron's ● May 19, 2026
Concerns over Frank's appointment have been lingering for months.
From BBC ● Feb. 11, 2026
At the same time, homes that are on the market have been lingering longer, which may push sellers to resort to deeper discounts.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 28, 2023
In the meantime, science missions that have been lingering for years or otherwise had little chance of reaching space are poised to make it to the moon.
From Scientific American ● Aug. 2, 2022
We now return to the hall in Funen, to the family which we left there; but autumn and winter are gone whilst we have been lingering on the past.
From O. T. a Danish Romance by H. C. (Hans Christian) Andersen
