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.

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

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 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 …

Aug 28, 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."

In this sense, linger can refer to feelings or sensations that slowly fade away, like the smell of perfume that lingers in an elevator after the passengers have exited.