loiter Definition
- 1stand or wait around idly or without apparent purpose
- 2move slowly or aimlessly
Using loiter: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "loiter" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
A group of teenagers was loitering outside the store.
Example
He was caught loitering in the park after dark.
Example
I don't want to loiter here all day.
Example
She loitered at the art gallery, admiring the paintings.
loiter Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with loiter
Example
The police arrested him for loitering with intent.
Example
I spent the whole afternoon loitering away in the park.
Example
He loitered on the street corner, waiting for his friend to arrive.
Origins of loiter
from Middle English 'loteren', meaning 'idle about'
Summary: loiter in Brief
'Loiter' [ˈlɔɪtər] means to stand or wait around idly or without apparent purpose, or to move slowly or aimlessly. It is often used to describe teenagers hanging around outside stores or people spending time idly. 'Loiter with intent' refers to standing or waiting around with the intention of committing a crime.
