B2verbemotionslanguage
US/ˈlɪŋ.ɡər/
UK/ˈlɪŋ.ɡə/
to stay somewhere or continue to exist for longer than expected, often because you do not want to leave
In context
Some guests lingered in the garden long after the party had ended.
The smell of fresh bread lingered in the kitchen all morning.
Doubts about the plan still linger in many people's minds.
Words that go with linger
verb + preposition
- linger over a mealWe lingered over a long meal and talked for hours.
- linger in the airThe smell of smoke lingered in the air.
- linger in the memoryHer kind words lingered in my memory for years.
- linger for yearsThe effects of the crisis lingered for years.
verb + adverb
- linger onThe cold lingered on well into April.
- linger behindHe lingered behind after the others had left the room.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
linger in the partyCorrect: linger at the party