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

Lopez, a regular at Ross Dress for Less, put a pack of clothing hangers in her cart along with her new purse before checking out. —Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026

Previously, Simone successfully launched a foldable hanger for clothes and a digital wall calendar for tracking daily habits – both via Kickstarter. —Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 21 Mar. 2026

Behind the bed was a wardrobe area with shelves and hangers for our clothes. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026

The nectar base twists off smoothly for quick refills, and a metal hanger is included for simple setup. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 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