clinging

SayKLING-ing/ˈklɪŋɪŋ/

3 meanings of clinging

1
verb
Present participle of cling. Use this form for someone or something holding on tightly right now.
The toddler was clinging to her mother's leg in the crowded store.
Clinging to the wet rock, the climber waited for the rescue team.
Note
2
adjective
Wanting to be very close to someone all the time, or sticking tightly to something.
Like a sticker that holds on tight and is hard to peel off.
Her clinging dress was soaked through by the heavy rain.
He grew tired of his clinging friend who called him every hour.
Similarclingy, needy, possessive, dependent
Oppositeindependent, aloof
Note
3
noununcountable
The act of holding on tightly to someone or something and not letting go.
Like holding tight to a rope and never letting it go.
The baby's clinging made it hard for the mother to leave the room.
Her constant clinging began to wear on everyone around her.
Similaradherence, attachment
Note

clinging is a form of cling

cling, verb: To hold on to something very tightly so that you do not fall off or let go. Full entry

Forms: clingclings he/she/itclinging -ing formclung past tense, past participle
Spelling: cling → clinging: add -ing

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