CLING


Meaning of CLING in English

I. ˈkliŋ intransitive verb

( clung ˈkləŋ ; 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 ˈkliŋ-ər noun

• clingy ˈkliŋ-ē adjective

II. noun

Date: circa 1625

: an act or instance of clinging : adherence

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.