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

Synonyms of hanger-on

• parasite
• henchman
• sponge

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

In late August, the hotel turns into a red-carpet event for celebrities, stars of the silver screen, and various hangers-on at the Venice Film Festival to which the Excelsior is inexorably linked, now enjoying its 10th decade. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026

The twisted tale involves a cadre of rappers and hangers-on, shootings in separate states, two deaths and various acts of betrayal. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Next week’s trade deadline, in theory, should shake off a few hangers-on. — Levi Weaver, New York Times, 28 July 2026

Iyanla Vanzant, the program’s host, chided Holmes for squandering much of her fortune, buying properties and paying allowances to hangers-on. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hanger-on

• aileron
• antiphon
• autobahn
• carillon
• castellan
• celadon
• cephalon
• cynodon
• denouement
• deuteron
• echelon
• epsilon

Kids Definition

hanger-on

noun

hang·​er-on

ˈhaŋ-ə-ˌrȯn, 

-ˌrän

plural hangers-on

: one that spends time around a person, place, or institution in hope of personal gain