What does tarrying mean?
Tarrying means delaying, lingering, or remaining somewhere longer than is necessary or expected. It is the present participle of the verb tarry and is commonly used in both its verbal and gerund forms: a plan may be “tarrying” before approval, while “tarrying” can also name the delay itself. The word often carries a mildly critical implication, suggesting that the delay could have been avoided, although it can describe an unavoidable wait without disapproval. In a less common literary sense, tarrying means staying temporarily as a visitor or sojourner. The expression “no tarrying” emphasizes promptness, while “tarrying place” refers to a place where someone may remain. Tarrying is more characteristic of formal writing, older literature, and elevated speech than of casual contemporary conversation. Its restrained, slightly old-fashioned character makes it useful when a writer wants to convey delay with a formal or traditional tone rather than with a blunt everyday expression.
verbTarrying means delaying or lingering longer than necessary; in a more literary sense, it can mean staying or sojourning temporarily.
- Delaying or lingering longer than necessary.
- Staying or sojourning temporarily, especially as a guest.
"The messenger tarried at the village, unable to leave until the road was clear."
"The committee kept tarrying over the proposal until the deadline approached."
"She was tarrying at her sister's home while waiting for the train to resume running."
Tarrying once meant waiting or lodging; today it chiefly suggests a delay, especially one that could have been avoided.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tarrying come from?
The word derives from Middle English taryen, from Anglo-French tarier, “to delay or linger,” which came from Late Latin tardare, “to be slow.” Latin tardare developed from tardus, meaning “slow” or “late,” the source of cognates such as tardy. The sense of staying temporarily developed within the verb's history alongside its meanings of delaying and waiting.
How tarrying is actually used
The word has a formal, literary, and sometimes archaic tone. In its common sense of unnecessary delay, it can imply annoyance or disapproval.
Easily confused with tarrying
Tarrying means delaying, lingering, or staying temporarily, whereas carrying means transporting something or bearing a load.