noun Uncommon

lurking

Lurking (noun) means the act of waiting or hiding somewhere quietly, often with the intent to watch, ambush, or avoid being noticed. Example: “Security footage showed a figure lurking near the back entrance before the break-in.”

noun

The act of waiting or hiding somewhere quietly, often with the intent to watch, ambush, or avoid being noticed.

"Security footage showed a figure lurking near the back entrance before the break-in."

"She spent months lurking in the forum before finally posting a comment."

How to use lurking

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHanging around quietly out of sight, either to watch, wait, or avoid attention.

Memory tip

Online, "lurking" just means reading a forum or group without posting — it isn't always sinister.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

lurking in the shadows lurking online lurking around

Word forms

lurkings plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Security footage showed a figure _____ near the back entrance before the break-in.

Etymology

From the verb "lurk," meaning to wait in hiding or move stealthily.

Frequently asked questions

What does “lurking” mean?

The word “lurking” means the act of waiting or hiding somewhere quietly, often with the intent to watch, ambush, or avoid being noticed. In plain terms, hanging around quietly out of sight, either to watch, wait, or avoid attention.

How do you use “lurking” in a sentence?

Here is “lurking” used in a sentence: “Security footage showed a figure lurking near the back entrance before the break-in.”

What part of speech is “lurking”?

“Lurking” is a noun.

Is “lurking” a common word?

“Lurking” is an uncommon word in modern English.