What does lingered mean?
To linger is to remain, continue, or delay longer than is expected. The word is especially useful for describing something that persists after its expected end: a smell may linger in a room, a doubt may linger after an explanation, or a memory may remain vivid in the mind. A person can also linger when leaving is delayed or when they are simply reluctant to go away. In another sense, to linger is to move, speak, or proceed slowly, often with difficulty or dissatisfaction. The expression “linger on” is common for something that remains troublesome or difficult to end. Overall, the word conveys prolongation, persistence, and often a slight sense of unresolved or lingering emotional weight.
verbTo remain or continue to exist for longer than expected, especially when leaving, finishing, or resolving something is delayed. It can also mean to move or speak slowly, or to remain unwilling to leave.
- To remain or continue for an extended period, especially after something else has ended or after an event.
- To be slow to leave, depart, or end, especially because a person is reluctant or something is difficult to leave.
- To speak, move, or proceed slowly and with difficulty.
- To hesitate or delay before doing something.
"The scent of cedar lingered in the empty room long after the windows had been closed."
"Questions about the project lingered long after the meeting had ended."
"She lingered by the river, unwilling to return to the crowded city."
A lingering scent can preserve a place in time: even after a room is empty, what happened there may seem to remain.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lingered come from?
The word comes through Middle English lengeren, related to Old English længian, meaning to stay or delay. These forms continue a Germanic root associated with duration and the idea of being long or lasting. English cognates and related forms include long, length, and prolong, all reflecting the same broad connection with extension in time or space.
Related word forms
How lingered is actually used
The word often suggests duration beyond what is expected or desirable. It can describe a physical presence, an abstract idea, a memory, or a person's reluctance to leave.