hang on

verb

hung on; hanging on; hangs on
Synonyms of hang onnext

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
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.
That won’t be easy to defend in a general election where the race will hang on tens of thousands of votes in states such as Georgia, Michigan and North Carolina. Bret Stephens, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026 The front lid appears to be barely hanging on by a thread, with cuts and gashes throughout. Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026 With the ball on the baseline, the Braves made an inbound pass to Max Ellis in the key, but the shot didn’t fall, and Santa Margarita hung on for a 57-56 victory. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026 After a 30-year stint in the business, this one couldn’t hang on. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hang on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hang%20on. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

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

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