1. to stay in a place longer than necessary; to be slow to leave
2. to continue to exist or persist, especially when expected to end
3. to be slow in doing something; to delay or hesitate

Examples

• The guests lingered at the party until midnight.
• She lingered in the bookstore, browsing through novels.
• The smell of coffee lingered in the kitchen all morning.
• Don’t linger too long or you’ll be late for class.
• His illness lingered for several weeks before he recovered.
• The tourists lingered at the scenic overlook to take photos.
• Doubts about the decision lingered in her mind.