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

Who has the space for decorations that don’t hang on the wall? —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 June 2026

Like many Kansas farmers who's profits have been wiped out by the record drought, the Beckers are working hard to hang on to their farm, which has been in their family for five generations. —Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

The Stingrays scored early, then hung on for a 4-3 win over Canyon Hills to capture the CIF San Diego Section Division 5 championship at USD’s Fowler Park. —John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026

An enormous cherry painting hangs on the wall of their showroom-meets-design studio just off the Bowery. —Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 29 May 2026

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