English Reference
adjective · verb · noun

clinging

adj. · v. · n.
US /ˈkɫɪŋɪŋ/ UK /klˈɪŋɪŋ/ cling·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describes clothes that stick closely to your body.

    adj.describes fabric or garments that adhere closely to the contours of the body, often due to moisture or material properties.

    Simple

    The wet shirt was clinging to his back after he ran through the rain.

    In context

    The dancer chose a dress made of a soft, clinging silk that accentuated every movement during the performance.

    tightform fittingsticky
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describes a person who stays too close to someone because they are afraid or need too much attention.

    adj.exhibiting excessive emotional dependence or a strong desire for constant physical proximity.

    Simple

    The toddler was very clinging on his first day at the new nursery.

    In context

    In the early stages of the breakup, he became increasingly clinging, which unfortunately pushed his partner further away.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.the action of holding onto something or someone very strongly.

    v.the present participle of 'cling', indicating the act of holding fast by embracing or entwining.

    Simple

    She was clinging to the side of the boat as the waves got bigger.

    In context

    Clinging to the hope that the survivors might still be found, the rescue team refused to call off the search despite the blizzard.

    grippingholdingclasping
  4. 04 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the act of sticking to something or staying very close to it.

    n.the gerund form denoting the act or state of adhering or remaining attached to a surface or idea.

    Simple

    The clinging of the wet leaves to the pavement made the path very slippery.

    In context

    The persistent clinging to outdated traditions has often hindered the department's efforts to modernise its internal protocols.

It showed Ryder clinging to Nathaniel as pounding waves repeatedly crash over them.

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026

I watch my 10 year old daughter Zena races through heather nearby, building boulder bridges over a cold stream, clinging to my brother as the Etive Mòr and Black Mount mountains rise behind them.

BBC News· 26 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated