hang around
verb
hung around; hanging around; hangs around
1
intransitive,
informal
a
: to pass time idly or in relaxing or socializing
spent the day just hanging around with her friends
b
: to stay in or at a place for a period of time
had to hang around for over an hour, waiting for the bus
She didn't feel like hanging around at the club afterward …—
David Calder
David Calder2
transitive
informal
: to pass time or stay in or at (a place) or in the company of (someone)
hung around the house all day
My mother doesn't want me hanging around the park alone.—Judy Blume
Judy BlumeWhen he was 10 years old, Lester taught him-self to windsurf by hanging around the Europeans and Canadian tourists who rented boards on the beach at Varadero.—Sam Moses
Sam MosesExamples of hang around in a Sentence
if you hang around until my husband gets home, you can meet him
Recent Examples on the Web
At Union Pool, hang around the left side of the stage for good visibility and a spot to put your coat or drink.
—The Editors, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2026
Mainly behind Harper and Scheierman, Boston’s reserves hung around early, falling behind by double digits midway into the second quarter and then rallying behind a 3-point shooting barrage (9 of 16) in the third quarter to outscore the Magic 42-20 in the period and open a 94-81 lead.
—ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Led by their unbeatable freshman goalie, the Pioneers hung around.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2026
To Kennard’s right, with his arm hanging around the then-teenager’s shoulder is James, donning what would now be seen as a retro Florida Marlins baseball cap.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hang around
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.
The Editors, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2026
Mainly behind Harper and Scheierman, Boston’s reserves hung around early, falling behind by double digits midway into the second quarter and then rallying behind a 3-point shooting barrage (9 of 16) in the third quarter to outscore the Magic 42-20 in the period and open a 94-81 lead.
—ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Led by their unbeatable freshman goalie, the Pioneers hung around.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2026
To Kennard’s right, with his arm hanging around the then-teenager’s shoulder is James, donning what would now be seen as a retro Florida Marlins baseball cap.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hang around
Cite this Entry
“Hang around.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hang%20around. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
