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stick around

B1 informal inseparable intransitive

To remain in a place or situation, especially to wait or to continue being present.

In plain English

Stay where you are and don't leave yet.

What does "stick around" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B1 informal

To stay in a place, especially to wait for something or someone.

"Stick around after the presentation — there will be a Q&A session."

inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To remain loyal or present in a relationship or situation over time.

"Most of his friends left after the scandal, but a few stuck around."

inseparable
Usage tip

Very common in conversational English. Often used as an invitation or command ('stick around after the show'). Can also describe someone who stays loyal or present over time.

Words that pair with "stick around"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

after for a while longer here until

How to conjugate "stick around"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
stick around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sticks around
he/she/it
Past simple
stuck around
yesterday
Past participle
stuck around
have + pp
-ing form
sticking around
continuous

Hear "stick around" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "stick around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "stick around"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

hang around linger remain stay stay put wait around

Keep exploring

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