# cling

/ˈkɫɪŋ/ (US) · /klˈɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cling
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to hold tightly

verb · CEFR B2

to hold onto something or someone very tightly so that you do not fall or lose them.

For teachers: to grip or hold on tightly to something, often to prevent falling or separation.

- The small child clung to his mother's hand in the crowded station.
- Survivors of the shipwreck clung to pieces of floating debris for hours before the rescue helicopter arrived at dawn.

Usage: Usually takes the preposition 'to'.

### 2. to stick to a surface

verb · CEFR B2

to stick to a surface or follow the shape of something.

For teachers: to adhere closely to a surface, often following its contours through moisture, static, or texture.

- His wet shirt clung to his back after he ran through the rain.
- The plastic wrap is designed to cling to the edges of the bowl, creating an airtight seal to keep the food fresh.

Usage: Often used to describe how wet or thin clothing fits the body.

### 3. to stay emotionally attached

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to refuse to let go of a belief, a hope, or a person because you need them.

For teachers: to remain emotionally or mentally attached to something, often out of fear, desperation, or loyalty.

- Even after many years, she still clung to the hope that her brother was alive.
- The aging politician clung to power long after his party had lost the support of the general public.

Usage: Takes the preposition 'to'.

### 4. plastic wrap

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a thin, clear plastic film used to cover food and keep it fresh.

For teachers: A thin, transparent plastic film that adheres to surfaces; a shortened form of 'cling film'.

- Cover the leftovers with some cling before putting them in the fridge.
- The chef insisted on using high-quality cling to ensure the prepared ingredients did not dry out during the busy service.

## Examples

- The child started to cling to his mother's hand in the crowd.
- Despite the changing market, the small business owners continue to cling to their traditional methods.
- As the storm intensified, the survivors had to cling to the wreckage of the ship, hoping for a rescue vessel to appear on the horizon before dawn.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.