lingering Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of tarrying
    tarriance.
  2. verb remain present although waning or gradually dying
    linger.
    • Her perfume lingered on
  3. verb be about
    loaf; footle; mess about; lallygag; linger; lollygag; lurk; tarry; mill about; hang around; lounge; loiter; mill around.
    • The high school students like to loiter in the Central Square
    • Who is this man that is hanging around the department?
  4. verb leave slowly and hesitantly
    tarry; linger.
  5. verb take one's time; proceed slowly
    dawdle; linger.
  6. verb move to and fro
    hover; linger.
    • The shy student lingered in the corner

WordNet

Lin"ger*ing adjective
Definitions
  1. Delaying.
  2. Drawn out in time; remaining long; protracted; as, a lingering disease.
    To die is the fate of man; but to die with lingering anguish is generally his folly. Rambler.

Webster 1913