hanger

noun

hang·​er ˈhaŋ-ər 

1

: one that hangs or causes to be hung or hanged

2

: something that hangs, overhangs, or is suspended: such as

a

: a decorative strip of cloth

b

: a small sword formerly used by sailors

c

chiefly British : a small wood on steeply sloping land

3

: a device by which or to which something is hung or hangs: such as

a

: a strap on a sword belt by which a sword or dagger can be suspended

b

: a loop by which a garment is hung up

c

: a device that fits inside or around a garment for hanging from a hook or rod

Examples of hanger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

New Georgia Project canvasser Mardie Hill holds informational door hangers about the upcoming primary election on May 23, 2022, in East Point, Georgia. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 20 May 2026

Yamazaki Joint Bag Hanger makes for an excellent organization system that can be attached to the closet or hang loosely from a hanger. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2026

Heavy items hung on thin hangers can warp the shape of clothes and lead to premature wear. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2026

Clothing that looks good on the hanger doesn’t always feel good on the body, especially when flare-prone areas like the underarms, inner thighs and beneath the breasts are involved. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hanger

• cliff-hanger
• clothes hanger
• coat hanger
• hanger-on
• hanger steak

Rhymes for hanger

• ganger
• hangar

Video

Is It 'Hanger' or 'Hangar'?

How to remember which is which

Kids Definition

hanger

noun

hang·​er ˈhaŋ-ər 

1

: one that hangs

2

: a device by which something hangs

especially : a device for hanging a garment from a hook or rod