to remain or stay on in a place longer than is usual or expected, as if from reluctance to leave

We lingered awhile after the party.

to remain alive; continue or persist, although gradually dying, ceasing, disappearing, etc.

She lingered a few months after the heart attack. Such practices still linger among the older natives.

to dwell in contemplation, thought, or enjoyment

to linger over the beauty of a painting.

to be tardy in action; delay; dawdle

to linger in discharging one's duties.

to walk slowly; saunter along.

to pass (time, life, etc.) in a leisurely or a tedious manner (usually fol. by away or out )

We lingered away the whole summer at the beach.

Archaic . to draw out or protract.

noun

dawdler , dilly-dallier , lag , lagger , loiterer , poke , procrastinator , straggler , tarrier