linger
/ˈlɪŋɡɚ/
Reviewed on
Type
Verb
Meaning
To stay in a place longer than necessary or expected, often because of a reluctance to leave.
Customers often linger near the front counter long after paying their bills.
Why did you linger outside in the cold instead of coming inside immediately?
To continue to exist or be noticeable for a protracted period.
The smell of fresh garlic lingered in the kitchen for hours.
Doubts still linger about the project's long-term financial viability.
To spend an extended period considering, savoring, or doing something slowly.
She liked to linger over her morning coffee before starting work.
Do not linger on every minor detail while drafting the first chapter.
How it's used
When this means “stay somewhere longer than needed”
- linger in the hallway
“linger there.”
Students often linger in the hallway between classes.
When this means “continue to exist”
- linger in the air
Smoke continued to linger in the air long after the fire was out.
When this means “spend time slowly”
- linger over a meal
“linger over it.”
We lingered over dinner until the restaurant staff began clearing tables.
Collocations
- linger on
- linger over
- scent lingers
- doubts linger
- linger behind