Lingerer

A lingerer is an individual who remains in a place or continues an action longer than expected or desired. This person often delays departure, prolongs a conversation, or habitually postpones tasks. They might be indecisive, procrastinating, or simply enjoying the present moment, regardless of the implications for efficiency or scheduling. The term suggests a degree of persistence, whether intentional or unintentional, and can imply a lack of urgency or consideration for the time constraints of others. A lingerer's behavior can range from mildly inconvenient to significantly disruptive, depending on the context and duration. The action of lingering can also suggest a certain sentiment or attachment to the situation being lingered in. The term can apply to people, animals, or even abstract things. The opposite, someone who rushes or is quick to leave, could be their antithesis.

Lingerer meaning with examples

• The elderly gentleman, a notorious lingerer at the cafe, always occupied his favorite corner for hours, nursing a single cup of coffee and lost in thought. He'd delay ordering more, which frustrated the staff, especially during the peak hours. Despite the huslte around him, he showed no sign of moving on. His lengthy stays disrupted seating, and they sometimes considered imposing a time limit.
• After the movie, a group of teenagers lingered near the cinema's exit, discussing the plot twists and exchanging opinions for almost an hour. They blocked the thoroughfare, preventing other patrons from leaving. Their continued conversation and laughter annoyed those trying to rush home. The cinema staff eventually had to encourage them to leave and move to the open-air area.
• The injured bird, a small sparrow, lingered on the windowsill of my kitchen for a whole day. Even after I had offered water and food, it still showed no inclination to leave the safety of the glass pane. I observed it carefully, worried that something might be wrong, and only let it go when I felt safe to do so, and felt it was safe to leave.
• The lingering smell of freshly baked bread filled the bakery for the whole day and persisted into the early evening, even after all the baked goods had been sold. Customers, drawn in by the aroma, lingered to make last-minute purchases. The inviting scent encouraged people to keep eating, even when they were not hungry.
• During the farewell party, some of the guests proved to be serious lingerers. They refused to go home, holding on to every last moment. They filled the host's house, causing delays in cleaning and final preparation for the night ahead, as they extended the party to its very limits.