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

How long Cousins hangs on to that spot will be the main storyline in camp and perhaps into the season. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

The chart resists spills and contains grommets for easy hanging on the wall or door. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 21 July 2026

In the ninetieth minute, with Argentina hanging on, but retaining hope of an improbable victory, Messi was body-blocked by Aymeric Laporte, a Spain defender, and thrown to the floor. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Lionel Messi and Argentina found a way to hang on and force extra time — but barely. — Tim Reynolds, Arkansas Online, 19 July 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