cling Meaning & Definition
What Does Cling Mean?
Cling is used as a noun meaning Fruit (especially peach) whose flesh adheres strongly to the pit. It is also used to mean Adherence; attachment; devotion. As a verb, it means To hold very tightly, as to not fall off. As a verb, it means To produce a high-pitched ringing sound, like a small bell.
Cling at a Glance
| Part of speech | noun, verb, interjection |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈklɪŋ/ |
| Synonyms | adhere, stick and cohere |
| Plural | clings |
| Verb forms | clings, clinging, clung |
Cling Definition (Noun)
- Fruit (especially peach) whose flesh adheres strongly to the pit.
- Adherence; attachment; devotion.
- An ornament that clings to a window so as to be seen from outside.
Cling as a Verb
- To hold very tightly, as to not fall off.
Seaweed clung to the anchor.
- To adhere to an object, without being affixed, in such a way as to follow its contours. Used especially of fabrics and films.
- To cause to adhere to, especially by twining round or embracing.
- To cause to dry up or wither.
- To dry up or wither.
Wood clings.
- To be fond of, to feel strongly about and dependent on.
Verb
- To produce a high-pitched ringing sound, like a small bell.
Cling as an Interjection
- Imitative of a high-pitched ringing sound.
Verb
- (with preposition to) to be fond of, to feel strongly about and dependent on
Synonyms of Cling
Cling synonyms and antonyms →Cling in a Sentence
Seaweed clung to the anchor.
Wood clings.
Word Forms & Grammar
cling (countable and uncountable, plural clings)
cling (third-person singular simple present clings, present participle clinging, simple past and past participle clung or (nonstandard) clinged or (obsolete) clong)
cling (third-person singular simple present clings, present participle clinging, simple past and past participle clinged)
cling
Words That Rhyme With Cling
Origin of Cling
Origin 1: From Middle English clingen, from Old English clingan (“to adhere”), from Proto-West Germanic *klingan, from Proto-Germanic *klinganą. Cognate with Danish klynge (“to cluster, to crowd”). Compare clump.
Origin 2: Imitative; compare clink, clang.
Cling: Your Questions Answered
Is cling a noun or a verb?
Cling is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb and an interjection.
What is another word for cling?
Close synonyms of cling are adhere, stick and cohere. See the full list of cling synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of cling?
The plural of cling is clings.
What is the past tense of cling?
The past tense of cling is clung. The present participle is clinging.