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

Would the Nuggets be able to hang on to a top-six seed in the West without their franchise player? —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026

Christmas decorations still hang on the walls of their apartment, occasionally lit up by their flashlights. —Vasilisa Stepanenko, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026

In previous years, the sign was hung on the footbridge without going through the city’s permit process. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026

Also in the Patriot League, Alissa Marcella scored 15 points as Pembroke hung on to beat Duxbury, 39-38. —Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 13 Jan. 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