cling Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun fruit (especially peach) whose flesh adheres strongly to the pit
    clingstone.
  2. verb come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
    cohere; cleave; stick; adhere.
    • The dress clings to her body
    • The label stuck to the box
    • The sushi rice grains cohere
  3. verb to remain emotionally or intellectually attached
    • He clings to the idea that she might still love him.
  4. verb hold on tightly or tenaciously
    hang.
    • hang on to your father's hands
    • The child clung to his mother's apron

WordNet

Cling intransitive verb
Etymology
AS. clingan to adhere, to wither; akin to Dan. klynge to cluster, crowd. Cf. Clump.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Clung Clong (), obsolete ); present participle & verbal noun Clinging
Definitions
  1. To adhere closely; to stick; to hold fast, especially by twining round or embracing; as, the tendril of a vine clings to its support; -- usually followed by to or together.
    And what hath life for thee That thou shouldst cling to it thus? Mrs. Hemans.
Cling transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To cause to adhere to, especially by twining round or embraching. Obs.
    I clung legs as close to his side as I could. Swift.
  2. To make to dry up or wither. Obs.
    If thou speak'st false, Upon the next tree shalt thou hang alive, Till famine cling thee. Shak.
Cling noun
Definitions
  1. Adherence; attachment; devotion. R.
    A more tenacious cling to worldly respects. Milton.

Webster 1913