hang on

verb

hung on; hanging on; hangs on

intransitive verb

1

: to keep hold : hold on to something

2

: to persist tenaciously

a cold that hung on all spring

3

: hold on sense 2

I'll get the answer if you can hang on.

see also hang on to

Examples of hang on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Synthetic Tension Rod Curtains Synthetic-blend curtains hung on a tension rod can feel like an easy win, especially for small, standalone windows in kitchens or bathrooms. —Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 2 Jan. 2026

Deinert is hoping to store them a few more months, hang on until maybe prices go up and there's a new trade deal with China, historically the Dakotas' biggest buyer. —Kirk Siegler, NPR, 29 Dec. 2025

But thanks to David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson (and their undeniable chemistry), fans hung on to every surreal and fantastical thing Mulder and Scully said. —Selome Hailu, Variety, 29 Dec. 2025

Watkins answered first, urging the man to find something to hang on to. —Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 29 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1719, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hang on

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

hang on

verb

1

: to keep hold or possession especially tightly

hang on or you'll fall

hang on to your money

2

: to continue stubbornly

a cold that hung on all spring