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 - …

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.

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

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

1. to remain or stay on in a place longer than is usual or expected. 2. to remain alive or in use, though with diminishing vitality. 3. to dwell in contemplation, thought, or enjoyment: to linger …

to be tardy in action; delay; dawdle: to linger in discharging one's duties. to walk slowly; saunter along. v.t. to pass (time, life, etc.) in a leisurely or a tedious manner (usually fol. by away or …

Nov 18, 2025 · 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, …

Let it linger: To allow something to remain for a longer time, sometimes creating suspense. Example: "He decided to let the story linger in the air for a moment before revealing the ending."

LINGER meaning: 1 : to stay somewhere beyond the usual or expected time; 2 : to continue to exist as time passes often + on