26984 words

clings

4 definitions • 9 examples
1
to stick onto or hold something or someone tightly, or to refuse to stop holding it, him, or her:

Examples:

We got so wet that our clothes clung to us.
They clung together in terror as the screams grew louder.
One little girl was clinging onto a cuddly toy.
She clung to the handrail as she walked down the slippery steps.
2
to stay close or near:

Examples:

The road clings to (= closely follows) the coastline for several miles, then it turns inland.
3
to stay close to someone who is taking care of you, because you need their support:

Examples:

Jenny is the kind of child who always clings whenever she's taken to a new place.
4
to hold tightly or to stick; to refuse to stop holding:

Examples:

They clung together in terror.
We were soaking wet and our clothes clung to us.
fig. Farmers and herders cling to the valleys (= stay in the valleys) where the soil is less sandy.

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