verb
cling
KLIHNG
verb
1
To hold on tightly to something so as not to fall or be separated.
"The toddler clung to her mother's leg at the school gate."
"He clung to the railing as the boat rocked."
2
To stick closely to a surface, especially of fabric or film.
"The wet shirt clung to his back in the heat."
3
To remain emotionally attached to a person, belief, or hope, often more than is healthy.
"She clung to the idea that he might still change."
How to Use Cling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hold on tightly, physically or emotionally, and not let go.
Common pairings
cling to hope
cling tightly
clothes cling to the skin
Word Forms
clung past tense, clinged past tense, clong past tense, clinged past tense, clings plural, clings singular, clings singular
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Etymology
From Old English clingan, "to adhere" or "hold fast," from an old Germanic root also seen in Danish klynge, "to cluster."