Pronunciation: /ˈklɪŋɪŋ/

Definitions of clinging

verb holding on tightly to something

Example Sentences

A1 The baby is clinging to their mother's hand.

A2 The spider was clinging to the ceiling.

B1 The hiker was clinging to the edge of the cliff for dear life.

B2 The athlete was clinging to first place in the race.

C1 The survivor was clinging to hope in the midst of despair.

C2 The artist was clinging to their vision despite criticism.

adjective describing the action of holding on tightly

Example Sentences

A1 The baby was clinging to her mother's leg.

A2 The wet clothes were clinging to her body.

B1 She felt a sense of clinging attachment to her childhood home.

B2 The vines were clinging tightly to the wall, creating a beautiful green facade.

C1 The memories of their time together clung to her like a shadow, never fading.

C2 The scent of his cologne still clung to her clothes, bringing back memories of their last embrace.

Examples of clinging in a Sentence

formal The hiker was clinging to the edge of the cliff, waiting for rescue.

informal She was clinging onto her phone like her life depended on it.

slang I saw him clinging onto that girl all night at the party.

figurative The memories of her childhood home were clinging to her like a warm blanket.

Grammatical Forms of clinging

past tense

clung

plural

clingers

comparative

more clinging

superlative

most clinging

present tense

cling

future tense

will cling

perfect tense

have clung

continuous tense

is clinging

singular

clinger

positive degree

cling

infinitive

to cling

gerund

clinging

participle

clinging

Origin and Evolution of clinging

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'clinging' originated from the Old English word 'clengan' which means to stick or adhere.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'clinging' has retained its original meaning of sticking or adhering, but has also come to be used metaphorically to describe emotional attachment or dependence.