linger

[ling-ger]

verb (used without object)

1. 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

2. 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.

3. to dwell in contemplation, thought, or enjoyment.

   to linger over the beauty of a painting.

4. to be tardy in action; delay; dawdle.

   to linger in discharging one's duties.

   Synonyms: tarry

5. to walk slowly; saunter along.

   Synonyms: loiter

verb (used with object)

1. 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.

2. Archaic.,  to draw out or protract.

linger

/ ˈlɪŋɡə /

verb

1. to delay or prolong departure

2. to go in a slow or leisurely manner; saunter

3. to remain just alive for some time prior to death

4. to persist or continue, esp in the mind

5. to be slow to act; dither; procrastinate

Other Word Forms

• lingerer noun
• lingeringly adverb
• outlinger verb (used with object)
• overlinger verb (used without object)
• unlingering adjective
• lingering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of linger¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of linger¹

C13 (northern dialect) lengeren to dwell, from lengen to prolong, from Old English lengan; related to Old Norse lengja; see _long ¹

Example Sentences

But each left investors with lingering questions as to how their core businesses will ultimately be protected from AI advancements, and whether the entire spending enterprise is fueling a bubble in tech stocks.

Read more on Barron's

I’d been waiting rather impatiently for the reunion because I still had a lot of lingering questions after the finale.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Now, residents, initially ready to move back swiftly, contend with ongoing questions about lingering toxicity levels and face obstacles from insurance carriers over remediation costs and property estimates that fall below actual rebuilding costs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Still others may even be hanging on to the lingering remnants of “Cuomosexuality.”

Read more on Salon

The Bank of Japan kept interest rates on hold Thursday at 0.5 percent, warning of lingering economic "high uncertainties" linked to US trade tariffs.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• dawdle 
• drift 
• idle 
• remain 
• stay 
• stick around 
• wait