hang in

verb

hung in; hanging in; hangs in

intransitive verb

informal : to refuse to be discouraged or intimidated : to keep going, trying, or working in a difficult situation
… did not hang in long enough to win even a battle.Marvin E. Frankel
Hoping to hang in until some series he works on runs five years and makes him $50 million in syndication …Chris Chase
often used in the phrase hang in there
If there was ever a mismatched couple it was this one, but the children begged them to hang in there.Joseph Wambaugh
If she hung in there long enough, he would change. It just took a lot of patience with a little reasoning.Gloria Naylor

Examples of hang in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But in new footage, Lala is noticeably absent, her fate still hanging in the balance following the season 1 finale cliffhanger of her fiery car accident. Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025 With the nation’s freedom hanging in the balance, the founders discover true liberty cannot only be written into law – it must be awakened in the hearts of the people. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025 The second season of the series will see the future of Ransom Canyon hang in the balance as ranching dynasties continue to vie for power, and new faces arrive, threatening the lives and loves of the quaint, western town, according to a synopsis from the producers. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2025 Anticipation and anxiety hung in the air, along with the faint, sweet smell of sunscreen. Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hang in

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hang in was in 1966

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hang in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hang%20in. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

hang in

verb
informal
: to refuse to be discouraged or frightened
Hang in there, kid! Don't quit.

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