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Added 9 October 2026

cling

/ˈklɪŋ/ noun

In Latin: adhaereo, haereo Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about cling at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

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.

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.

verb

To produce a high-pitched ringing sound, like a small bell.

interjection

Imitative of a high-pitched ringing sound.

Origin

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.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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