loiter
What does "loiter" mean?
To loiter means to stand or wait around a place without any apparent purpose or legitimate reason. The mental image is of someone lingering on a street corner, hovering near an entrance, or moving slowly through a space while ostensibly having nowhere to be. It is often used in a slightly negative or suspicious context, as it suggests that the person might be up to no good or is simply in the way. You will frequently see this word on signs like "No Loitering," which are posted to discourage people from gathering in areas where they are not supposed to be.
"loiter" in conversation
Outside a closed shop
You can't loiter here after closing time, please move along.
You can't loiter here after closing time, please move along.
Sorry, I was just waiting for my ride.
Sorry, I was just waiting for my ride.
Used in a warning context by an authority figure.
At a shopping mall
Are we just going to loiter in the food court until the movie starts?
Are we just going to loiter in the food court until the movie starts?
Yeah, it's too hot to walk around outside.
Yeah, it's too hot to walk around outside.
Used casually to describe killing time in a public space.
"loiter" in a sentence
The police told the group not to loiter near the park entrance.
The police told the group not to loiter near the park entrance.
Several teenagers were seen loitering outside the convenience store late at night.
Several teenagers were seen loitering outside the convenience store late at night.
The shopkeeper grew impatient with those who loitered by the display cases without intending to make a purchase.
The shopkeeper grew impatient with those who loitered by the display cases without intending to make a purchase.
