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

To her right, a concert poster for the band Geese hung on a door. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026

The Tommies use a stingy defense to hang on for a 20-17 win over the Johnnies at Target Field, the home of the Minnesota Twins. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

But for some who have still hung on to lower rates, trading out their existing mortgage rate for one above 6% isn’t feasible with mounting home prices and other monthly expenses. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026

A little more than a century ago, Yellowstone's bison were hanging on by a thread. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 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