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 seamen

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

Trubetter Foldable Travel Hangers Many standard hotel room closets contain at least one or two hangers, but other types of lodging—like Airbnb, boutique hotels, and hostels—may not have any at all. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025

Maximize space with a multi-layered hanger, organize intimates with fabric drawers, and keep shoes in one place with a new rack. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025

In September 2018, Armani decided to hold his coed Emporio show in that hanger, ending it with a performance by Robbie Williams for a crowd that numbered 2,300, including members of the public who won tickets to the event. —Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025

In the facility’s Vocational Simulation Lab, Smart pointed to a rack with clothes on hangers in the room’s corner. —Paulina Czupryna, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 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