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
Phrases
hang on to
: to hold, grip, or keep tenaciously

Examples of hang on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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 shape really allows all of the cheesy sauce to hang on to each noodle. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2024 The painting is hung on the wall near her dining room table. Raven Brunner, People.com, 25 Nov. 2024 But with all the help Indiana got after the loss, the one-loss Hoosiers can count on hanging on to a spot in the field, unlikely to fall below enough two-loss teams to be out, even with their suspect strength of schedule. David Ubben, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024 While knitted wool items must be dried flat to prevent stretching, woven wool items can be hung on sturdy hangers to air dry. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hang on 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1719, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hang on was circa 1719

Dictionary Entries Near hang on

Cite this Entry

“Hang on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hang%20on. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on hang on

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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