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

For the newly initiated, there is subtle messaging around the use of refillable water stations or reusing towels and linens, notes on sustainable shopping printed on hangers in closets, and a sand hourglass timer in the shower to help reduce water waste. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Those plastic hangers were heading for a landfill or a junk drawer. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026

Standard hangers with notches Many standard plastic hangers have small notches or grooves along the top, originally designed to hold garment straps or accessories in place. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026

The break-off trick Some people go a step further and snap off the small clip pieces from hangers to use them separately. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 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