hang on
verb
hung on; hanging on; hangs on
1
: to keep hold : hold on to something
2
: to persist tenaciously
a cold that hung on all spring
3
Examples of hang on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tankers of fuel and four of cooking gas entered Gaza through Egypt soon after hostilities paused, the first of what aid workers hope will be surge of relief materials for millions who are hanging on with dwindling food, power, sanitation and health care.
—
Sarah Dadouch, Washington Post, 24 Nov. 2023
The group took the picture at the edge of a large white tent with a chandelier hanging on the top and behind a black light post.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023
My wife hanging on to the console, the boat bucking in a horrid blow, lightning crackling.
—The Editors, Field & Stream, 23 Nov. 2023
There must have been a hundred men and just four women hanging on that wall.
—Deborah Bonello, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2023
While closing aging British facilities that Tata says are uncompetitive, the company could also hang on to strong customers like Jaguar Land Rover, which Tata also owns, as well as business in the construction and packaging industries.
—Stanley Reed Francesca Jones, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2023
That would ultimately be the only goal in the game as the Chieftains hung on for the win over the Torreys (15-6).
—Breven Honda, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Nov. 2023
The math is even simpler for Democrats, who need only hang on to the Senate or flip a couple of seats in the House to block all of Youngkin’s plans.
—Teo Armus, Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2023
Keep In Mind Their unique sizes are not ideal to hang on wreaths or a garland.
—Addie Morton, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2023
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Sarah Dadouch, Washington Post, 24 Nov. 2023
The group took the picture at the edge of a large white tent with a chandelier hanging on the top and behind a black light post.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023
My wife hanging on to the console, the boat bucking in a horrid blow, lightning crackling.
—The Editors, Field & Stream, 23 Nov. 2023
There must have been a hundred men and just four women hanging on that wall.
—Deborah Bonello, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2023
While closing aging British facilities that Tata says are uncompetitive, the company could also hang on to strong customers like Jaguar Land Rover, which Tata also owns, as well as business in the construction and packaging industries.
—Stanley Reed Francesca Jones, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2023
That would ultimately be the only goal in the game as the Chieftains hung on for the win over the Torreys (15-6).
—Breven Honda, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Nov. 2023
The math is even simpler for Democrats, who need only hang on to the Senate or flip a couple of seats in the House to block all of Youngkin’s plans.
—Teo Armus, Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2023
Keep In Mind Their unique sizes are not ideal to hang on wreaths or a garland.
—Addie Morton, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hang on.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1719, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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 2 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
hang on
verb1
: 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
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hang on
Britannica English: Translation of hang on for Arabic Speakers
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