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Definition of clingy

clingy

/ˈklɪŋ.i/
cling · y
Adverb:clingily
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clingy Lexical Profile

clingy Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Excessively emotionally dependent on another person and reluctant to be separated from them.

Example

"The toddler became unusually clingy during his first week at daycare."

2

Tending to adhere closely to the contours of the body or to another surface (especially of fabric or clothing).

Example

"She avoided wearing the thin silk dress on humid days because the fabric became uncomfortably clingy."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for clingy

• Nearby Words

clinginess
clinging
clingwrap
clingy
clinic
clinical
clinically

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 19th century from the verb 'cling' (from Old English 'clingan', meaning to hold fast or adhere closely) combined with the adjectival suffix '-y'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Clingy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/clingy
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