loiter
verb (used without object)
to linger aimlessly or as if aimless in or about a place.
was loitering
-
past progressiveof loiter.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Over the past week, the ship broadcast that it was loitering off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, according to maritime-data firm Kpler.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 15, 2026
The U.S. dollar was loitering close to its highest point since March against major peers, and touched a fresh 10-month top versus the Japanese yen, the traditional global funding currency where interest rates remain ultra-low.
From Reuters ● Sep. 7, 2023
The officers tweeted they stopped by because he was "loitering within tent" - a play on the phrase "loitering with intent" - adding that he had been "an inspiration".
From BBC ● Apr. 2, 2023
The guard, he says, told him that he was loitering.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2015
I patrolled to make sure the work got done and no one was loitering.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
