hanger-on
noun
hang·er-on
ˈhaŋ-ər-ˌȯn 
-ˌän
plural hangers-on
: one that hangs around a person, place, or institution especially for personal gain
Examples of hanger-on in a Sentence
almost overnight, the singer was a star, and almost overnight, he was surrounded by hangers-on who wanted something
Recent Examples on the Web
Financial literacy is a fundamental need for players making tens of millions of dollars, engulfed in a universe of scheming advisors and hangers-on looking to cash in.
—
Guy Lawson, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025
His attorneys portrayed his accusers as Hollywood wannabes and hangers-on who willingly hooked up with him to court opportunity, then recast the encounters as crimes years later to collect settlement funds and #MeToo approbation.
—Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
There is a reason so many Florida university and college presidents are these days being recruited from the ranks of politicians and political hangers-on.
—Ron Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025
Brought audiences a unique view of the hangers-on around big stars and unleashed the immortal character of agent Ari Gold played by Jeremy Piven.
—Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hanger-on
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Guy Lawson, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025
His attorneys portrayed his accusers as Hollywood wannabes and hangers-on who willingly hooked up with him to court opportunity, then recast the encounters as crimes years later to collect settlement funds and #MeToo approbation.
—Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
There is a reason so many Florida university and college presidents are these days being recruited from the ranks of politicians and political hangers-on.
—Ron Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025
Brought audiences a unique view of the hangers-on around big stars and unleashed the immortal character of agent Ari Gold played by Jeremy Piven.
—Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hanger-on
Cite this Entry
“Hanger-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hanger-on. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share