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

That system may be hanging on by a thread. —Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 16 June 2026

Not long ago, Hollywood’s beloved Bob Baker Marionette Theater was hanging on by a thread. —Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026

There’s a scarf hanging on the wall that, in so many words, says immigrants are welcome. —Steve Buckley, New York Times, 16 June 2026

Farms open up between the forestry, and the antiquated Martindale Chief Diner hangs on a curb. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 15 June 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