linger Definition
- 1to stay somewhere for a long time, especially after other people have left
- 2to take a long time to leave or disappear
- 3to continue to exist or be noticeable for a long time
Using linger: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "linger" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She lingered at the party after everyone else had gone home.
Example
The smell of smoke lingered in the air for hours.
Example
The memory of her smile lingered in his mind long after she was gone.
Example
He lingered over his coffee, enjoying the peace and quiet.
linger Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using linger
to remain present or noticeable, especially in a way that is unpleasant or uncomfortable
Example
The tension between them lingered in the air long after they had stopped arguing.
Example
The image of the accident lingered on his mind for weeks afterwards.
to remain hidden or unnoticed, especially in a way that is suspicious or threatening
Example
The criminal lingered in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Phrases with linger
Example
The effects of the pandemic will likely linger on for years to come.
Example
We lingered over our meal, savoring each bite.
Example
The beauty of the sunset lingered in my memory for days afterwards.
Origins of linger
from Old English 'lingrian', meaning 'dwell, prolong, remain'
Summary: linger in Brief
To 'linger' [ˈlɪŋɡər] means to stay somewhere for a long time, continue to exist or be noticeable for a long time, or take a long time to leave or disappear. It can be used to describe physical presence, as in 'She lingered at the party after everyone else had gone home,' or emotional presence, as in 'The memory of her smile lingered in his mind long after she was gone.' 'Linger' also appears in phrases like 'linger on,' 'linger over,' and idioms like 'linger in the air,' which denote persistence or difficulty forgetting.
