loiter
Loiter (verb) means to stand or wait around somewhere without any clear purpose. Example: “A group of teenagers were loitering outside the shop.”
How to use loiter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hang around somewhere with no obvious reason, often looking a bit suspicious or aimless.
Often carries a slightly negative or suspicious tone — signs reading "no loitering" imply the behaviour is unwelcome.
Word forms
loitered past tense, loiters plural, loiters singular
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
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Related words
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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