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

The par-3 16th is famous for Woods hitting that pitch that made a U-turn at the top of the slope, hung on the edge of the cup and dropped during his 2005 victory. —ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026

Housing experts mostly agree that the measure, if passed, could provide some positive outcomes for San Diego, but several said its success hangs on the ease of its implementation, the extent of exemptions and potential legal challenges. —Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026

Each visit might bring a new mural in progress, a different artist at work, or a finished piece just hung on the wall. —Carl Juste, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026

Cincinnati would score four runs in the 10th inning and hang on for the 6-3 win. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 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