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

If leaving coats hanging, use a sturdy hanger that supports the weight of the coat and cover it with a cotton clothes bag that prevents dust from settling on the fabric but allows air circulation. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2025

Zara doesn’t use mannequins to display the clothing, but rather hangers in wardrobe style with full outfits on display. —Charlotte Observer, 4 Dec. 2025

The necessity of an over-the-door hanger cannot be overstated. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025

Grab this under-$15 deal on a studless wall hanger to keep your living room clutter-free, too. —Clint Davis, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025

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