This meaning means a feeling or mood lasts even after the cause is gone. It stays in the mind or place.
The tension lingered after the argument.
Memories of that day linger.
This meaning shows something like a smell or feeling stays for a long time. It does not disappear quickly.
The smell of smoke lingered in the room.
His sadness lingered for many days.
Here, linger means you wait or are slow to do something, often because you feel unsure or nervous.
He lingered before answering the question.
Don’t linger when you make choices.
This use means to stay in a place without a clear reason, sometimes causing annoyance to others.
Some people linger near the store after closing.
The students linger near the gate too long.
