hanger

noun

hang·​er ˈhaŋ-ər 

1

: one that hangs or causes to be hung or hanged

2

: something that hangs, overhangs, or is suspended: such as

a

: a decorative strip of cloth

b

: a small sword formerly used by sailors

c

chiefly British : a small wood on steeply sloping land

3

: a device by which or to which something is hung or hangs: such as

a

: a strap on a sword belt by which a sword or dagger can be suspended

b

: a loop by which a garment is hung up

c

: a device that fits inside or around a garment for hanging from a hook or rod

Examples of hanger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, if your family has to walk into a neighboring room, open a coat closet, and search for a hanger to put their coat on, the coat is more likely to end up on the entryway table. —Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 20 Feb. 2026

The money flies out the window and into the streets before other women’s dresses—on their actual bodies, versus a hanger—begin exploding. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 17 Feb. 2026

Loop the top edge over a hanger, and leave the wood raw or wrap the bar in twine for a more decorative look. —Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026

Sort through your collection and recycle any hangers that are no longer in good shape, and check local ordinances to see which materials are accepted. —Kaylei Fear, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hanger

• cliff-hanger
• clothes hanger
• coat hanger
• hanger-on
• hanger steak

Rhymes for hanger

• ganger
• hangar

Video

Is It 'Hanger' or 'Hangar'?

How to remember which is which

Kids Definition

hanger

noun

hang·​er ˈhaŋ-ər 

1

: one that hangs

2

: a device by which something hangs

especially : a device for hanging a garment from a hook or rod