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.

Phrases

hang on to

: to hold, grip, or keep tenaciously

Examples of hang on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pittsburgh is also not eliminated from playoff contention, but their hopes hang on beating the Ravens on Sunday while also winning out. —James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

Caine, seated in a wheelchair with three of his grandchildren standing behind him, delivered a meandering but deeply heartfelt speech that had the audience hanging on every word before rising for a standing ovation. —Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 4 Dec. 2025

Its textured design adds dimension to any space, whether draped over the couch or hanging on a rung of a decorative ladder. —Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 2 Dec. 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs fell to the Dallas Cowboys and are seeing their playoff hopes hang on by a thread. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 Dec. 2025

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