v.
Pronunciation: ' li ŋ -g ə r
Function: verb
Inflected Form: lin · gered ; lin · ger · ing \ -g( ə -)ri ŋ \
Etymology: Middle English (northern dialect) lengeren to dwell, frequentative of lengen to prolong, from Old English lengan; akin to Old English lang longitude
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1 : to be slow in parting or in quitting something : TARRY <fans linger ed outside the door>
2 a : to remain alive although gradually dying b : to remain existent although often waning in strength, importance, or influence < linger ing doubts> < linger ing odors>
3 : to be slow to act : PROCRASTINATE
4 : to move slowly : SAUNTER
transitive verb
1 obsolete : DELAY
2 : to pass (as a period of time) slowly
– lin · ger · er \ -g ə r- ə r \ noun
– lin · ger · ing · ly \ -g( ə -)ri ŋ -l ē \ adverb