loitering: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Legal, Neutral
Quick answer
What does “loitering” mean?
The act of standing or waiting around idly without apparent purpose, often in a public place.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of standing or waiting around idly without apparent purpose, often in a public place.
1. Lingering or moving slowly and aimlessly, often implying suspicion or potential mischief. 2. In legal contexts, the act of remaining in a public place under circumstances that warrant alarm for the safety of persons or property.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used similarly in both varieties. However, 'loitering' is more frequently encountered in official signs and legal contexts in the US (e.g., 'No Loitering'). In the UK, 'hanging around' is a more common informal equivalent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it suggests idleness and potential trouble. In American English, it has a stronger association with law enforcement and minor crimes.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to its common use in legal and municipal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “loitering” in a Sentence
loiter (around/about) [place]loiter with intent (to commit an offence)be charged with loiteringVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “loitering” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- A group was loitering about near the bus shelter.
- The sign clearly states not to loiter in this area.
American English
- The officer told them to stop loitering in front of the store.
- He was arrested for loitering in a restricted zone.
adverb
British English
- He stood loiteringly by the gate, watching the house.
- (Note: Extremely rare and stylistically marked)
American English
- (Note: 'Loiteringly' is virtually never used in modern American English.)
adjective
British English
- The council introduced a ban on loitering youths after dark.
- His loitering presence made the shopkeeper nervous.
American English
- A loitering individual was reported near the school grounds.
- The police enforce strict loitering laws in the downtown area.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in security reports: 'Unauthorised loitering near the loading dock was reported.'
Academic
Used in sociological or criminological studies on public space and deviant behaviour.
Everyday
Used to describe people, especially youths, spending time idly in public areas like shopping centres or street corners.
Technical
A specific legal offence in many jurisdictions, often defined in municipal codes or police ordinances.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “loitering”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “loitering”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “loitering”
- Confusing it with 'lurking' (which implies hiding with malicious intent). Using it for positive, purposeful waiting ('I was loitering for my friend' sounds odd; 'waiting' is better).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not inherently. It becomes a legal issue typically when a local law (like an ordinance) prohibits it, or when it is done with suspicious intent ('loitering with intent'). Simply waiting for a friend is not illegal loitering.
'Lingering' is more neutral and can be positive (e.g., lingering over a good meal). 'Loitering' almost always has a negative connotation of idleness, aimlessness, or suspicion in a public space.
Yes, the base form is the verb 'to loiter'. 'Loitering' is its present participle or gerund form (e.g., 'They loiter' / 'They are loitering' / 'Loitering is prohibited').
Yes, 'loiterer'. For example: 'The security guard asked the loiterers to move along.'
The act of standing or waiting around idly without apparent purpose, often in a public place.
Loitering is usually formal, legal, neutral in register.
Loitering: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɔɪ.tər.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɔɪ.t̬ɚ.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Loitering with intent (legal phrase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'LOITERING' as 'LOw and waITERING' – hanging around lowly, like you're waiting for something but not really.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A RESOURCE / PURPOSEFUL MOVEMENT IS PROGRESS. Loitering is thus conceptualised as wasting the resource of time and lacking progress.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'loitering' MOST likely to be used?