# clingy

/klˈɪŋi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clingy
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

behaving in a way that shows you want to stay close to someone or something. It can describe a child who does not want to leave their parent or a person who is too dependent on another.

For teachers: characterised by a tendency to remain close to or attached to someone or something. Often carries a negative connotation when describing adult relationships or children's behavior.

## Examples

- The child was very clingy when we went to the park.
- He felt his relationship was becoming too clingy, so he decided to spend more time with his friends.
- The protagonist's clingy nature is portrayed as a survival mechanism, though it ultimately isolates him from the very community he seeks to protect.

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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.