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Definition of loiter

loiter

/ˈlɔɪ.tər/
loi · ter
Past Simple:loitered
•
Past Participle:loitered
•
Present Participle:loitering
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loiter Lexical Profile

loiter Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To stand, wait around, or remain in a public place idly and without any obvious purpose.

Example

"A sign outside the convenience store warned customers not to loiter near the entrance."

2

To walk or travel slowly and indolently, making frequent pauses along the way.

Example

"The students tended to loiter along the tree-lined avenue on their way home from school."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for loiter

• Nearby Words

loincloth
loins
loire
loiter
loiterer
loll
lollapalooza

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Middle Dutch 'loteren', meaning to wag about, waver, or dawdle.

Cite this Entry

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