- (often followed by to)
to hold fast or adhere closely (to something), as by gripping or sticking - (followed by together)
to remain in contact (with each other) to be or remain physically or emotionally close
- short for clingstone
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
cling•ing /ˈklɪŋɪŋ/USA pronunciation
adj. overly attached or dependent on another:has gotten over being a clinging child.
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026- sticking to, or fitting tightly to, the body:a clinging, hot blouse.
cling1 /klɪŋ/USA pronunciation
v., clung/klʌŋ/USA pronunciation cling•ing, n.
v.
n. [uncountable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026v.
- [~ + to] to adhere closely;
stick to: Wet paper clings to glass. - to hold tight, as by grasping or embracing;
cleave: [~ + to + object]The child clung to her mother.[no object* ~ + together]We clung together and wouldn't let go. - to remain attached, as to a person, etc.:[~ + to + object]She's clinging to the past; she has to go forward and forget him.
n. [uncountable]
- a condition of clinging:the cling of a garment.
cling1
(kling),USA pronunciation v., clung, cling•ing, n.
v.i.
n.
cling′er, n.
cling′ing•ly, adv.
cling′ing•ness, n.
cling2 (kling),USA pronunciation n.
v.i.
- to adhere closely;
stick to:The wet paper clings to the glass. - to hold tight, as by grasping or embracing;
cleave:The children clung to each other in the dark. - to be or remain close:The child clung to her mother's side.
- to remain attached, as to an idea, hope, memory, etc.:Despite the predictions, the candidate clung to the belief that he would be elected.
- to cohere.
n.
- the act of clinging;
adherence;
attachment.
- bef. 900; Middle English clingen, Old English clingan to stick together, shrink, wither; akin to clench
cling′ing•ly, adv.
cling′ing•ness, n.
- 2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged clutch, grab, hug.
cling2 (kling),USA pronunciation n.
- a clingstone.
- by shortening from clingstone, or special use of cling1 (noun, nominal) 1835–45
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::