Clung Meaning in English
word · lemma: cling
Definition
'Clung' is the past tense and past participle of 'cling.' It means held on tightly to something or someone, often for support, safety, or because of strong emotions.
Usage & Nuances
'Clung' is formal/literary; often used for strong emotional attachment ('clung to hope'), physical holding ('clung to the rope'), or metaphorically. Collocates with 'to' plus object. Not used for routine actions like 'hold' or 'grab'.
Example Sentences
The child clung to her mother's hand.
basic
The wet shirt clung to his skin.
basic
She clung to the hope that he would return.
basic
After the roller coaster, everyone clung to their seats, laughing and screaming.
natural
The memory of her words clung to him for years.
natural
Even after moving away, the smell of pine trees clung to his clothes.
natural