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 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 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

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 2 Dec. 2023.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!