The meaning of LINGER is to be slow in parting or in quitting something : tarry. How to use linger in a sentence.

After the play had finished, we lingered for a while in the bar hoping to catch sight of the actors. The smell from the fire still lingered days later. It's impossible to forget such horrific events - they linger …

Definition of linger verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

linger (ˈlɪŋɡə) vb (mainly intr) 1. to delay or prolong departure 2. to go in a slow or leisurely manner; saunter

to pause or dwell (over or on something) in contemplation, deliberation, enjoyment, etc. to linger over a favorite passage in a novel

Feb 21, 2026 · linger (third-person singular simple present lingers, present participle lingering, simple past and past participle lingered) (intransitive) To stay or remain in a place or situation, especially …

Linger definition: To stay in a place or be slow in leaving it, often out of reluctance.

Linger generally means to stay in a place or remain for a longer period of time than expected or necessary. It can also refer to delaying or hesitating in leaving a place or concluding an activity.

Definition of linger. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.

LINGER definition: to remain or stay on in a place longer than is usual or expected, as if from reluctance to leave. See examples of linger used in a sentence.