verb
C2
Proficient
loiter
LOY-tuh
Loiter (verb) means to stand or wait around somewhere without any clear purpose. Example: “A group of teenagers were loitering outside the shop.”
verb
1
To stand or wait around somewhere without any clear purpose.
"For some reason, they discourage loitering outside the store, but encourage it inside."
"A group of teenagers were loitering outside the shop."
"She loitered by the door, unsure whether to knock."
How to use loiter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hang around somewhere with no obvious reason, often looking a bit suspicious or aimless.
Common mistake
Often carries a slightly negative or suspicious tone — signs reading "no loitering" imply the behaviour is unwelcome.
Common pairings
loiter outside
no loitering
loiter with intent
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Word forms
- Plural
- loiters
- Third person singular
- loiters
- Past tense
- loitered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A group of teenagers were _____ outside the shop.
Etymology
From Middle Dutch loteren ("to shake, wobble, dawdle"), via Middle English loitren. Related to the English word "lout."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for loiter
liter
biter
writer
waiter
Jupiter
arbiter
orbiter
Lassiter
typewriter
songwriter
screenwriter
scriptwriter
See all rhymes for loiter →
Frequently asked questions
What does “loiter” mean?
The word “loiter” means to stand or wait around somewhere without any clear purpose. In plain terms, to hang around somewhere with no obvious reason, often looking a bit suspicious or aimless.
How do you pronounce “loiter”?
“Loiter” is pronounced LOY-tuh (/ˈlɔɪtɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “loiter” in a sentence?
Here is “loiter” used in a sentence: “A group of teenagers were loitering outside the shop.”
What is another word for “loiter”?
Words with a similar meaning to “loiter” include arse about, arse around, bludge, bum around, cabbage and clown around.
What is the opposite of “loiter”?
The opposite of “loiter” — its antonyms — are energize, make a move, leave, scraffle and scramble.
What part of speech is “loiter”?
“Loiter” is a verb.
Where does the word “loiter” come from?
The word “loiter” comes from Middle English. From Middle Dutch loteren ("to shake, wobble, dawdle"), via Middle English loitren. Related to the English word "lout.".
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