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

But the shadow cast by her head hung on the wall behind her like a larger-than-life-size poster. — Ingeborg Bachmann, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026

Beyond the restaurant’s lemon decor, bright paintings hang on its white, paneled walls. — Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026

With Silverwing airborne, Ormund joins the fight on the ramparts, where Roddy hangs on for the chance to kill him. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

San José State transfer Leland Smith gives Iamaleava a big-bodied receiver that can make contested catches on the boundaries or hang on to balls over the middle of the field. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 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