Linger

lin·ger (lnggr)
v. lin·gered, lin·ger·ing, lin·gers
v.intr.
1. To be slow in leaving, especially out of reluctance; tarry.
2. To remain feebly alive for some time before dying.
3. To persist: an aftertaste that lingers.
4. To proceed slowly; saunter.
5. To be tardy in acting; procrastinate.
v.tr.
To pass (a period of time) in a leisurely or aimless manner.
[Middle English lengeren, frequentative of lengen, to prolong, from Old English lengan; see del-1 in Indo-European roots.]
linger·er n.
linger·ing·ly adv.


The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 Updated in 2003.