linger
[ ling-ger ]
/ ˈlɪŋ gər /
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verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
to pass (time, life, etc.) in a leisurely or a tedious manner (usually followed by away or out): We lingered away the whole summer at the beach.
Archaic. to draw out or protract.
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Origin of linger
OTHER WORDS FROM linger
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use linger in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for linger
linger
/ (ˈlɪŋɡə) /
verb (mainly intr)
to delay or prolong departure
to go in a slow or leisurely manner; saunter
to remain just alive for some time prior to death
to persist or continue, esp in the mind
to be slow to act; dither; procrastinate
Derived forms of linger
lingerer, nounlingering, adjectivelingeringly, adverbWord Origin for linger
C13 (northern dialect) lengeren to dwell, from lengen to prolong, from Old English lengan; related to Old Norse lengja; see long 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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