v.
Pronunciation: ' kli ŋ
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form: clung \ ' kl ə ŋ \ ; cling · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English clingan; akin to Old High German klunga tangled ball of thread
Date: before 12th century
1 a : to hold together b : to adhere as if glued firmly c : to hold or hold on tightly or tenaciously
2 a : to have a strong emotional attachment or dependence <he clung to his friends for support> b : to remain or linger as if resisting complete dissipation or dispersal <the odor clung to the room for hours>
synonyms see STICK
– cling · er \ ' kli ŋ - ə r \ noun
– clingy \ ' kli ŋ - ē \ adjective