Loiter Meaning in English
word
ˈɫɔɪtɝ
LOY-ter
lˈɔɪtɐ
LOY-tuh
Definition
To stand or move around a place with no clear purpose, often lingering for a long time.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in legal or semi-formal contexts; 'loiter' can sound suspicious or negative, especially when referring to public places. Common with 'loiter around' or 'loiter in front of' a place. Not used for relaxed waiting with purpose; don't confuse with 'linger' (which can be neutral or positive).
Spanish: merodear - holgazanearPortuguese (BR): vadiar - ficar à toaPortuguese (PT): vadiar - andar a cirandarChinese (Simplified): 闲逛 - 游荡Chinese (Traditional): 閒逛 - 遊蕩Hindi: आसपास घूमना - समय बर्बाद करनाArabic: يتسكع - يتباطأBengali: আড্ডা মারা - উদ্দেশ্যহীনভাবে ঘুরে বেড়ানোRussian: слоняться - околачиватьсяJapanese: たむろする - ぶらぶらする（目的なく）Vietnamese: la cà - lảng vảngKorean: 배회하다 - 어슬렁거리다Turkish: avare - oyalanmakUrdu: آوارہ گردی کرنا - بلا مقصد گھومناIndonesian: mondar-mandir - berkeliaran tanpa tujuan
Example Sentences
Do not loiter near the school gate.
basic
It is illegal to loiter in the subway station.
basic
Some teenagers loiter outside the store every evening.
basic
We saw a guy loitering near the parking lot—looked suspicious.
natural
Don't loiter here; security might ask us to leave.
natural
She likes to loiter at the park after school talking with friends.
natural