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
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- lurkings
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.
