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

Kedonchen Candy Cane Over-Door Wreath Hangers Swap out the basic wreath hook this year and put your decor up with festive candy cane hangers instead. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Nov. 2025

They were followed by bathrobes, hangers, pens, and cosmetics, rounding out the top five. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2025

This set includes six hangers, each designed with five holes that can hold five garments both horizontally (up to 6 pounds) and vertically (up to 8 pounds). —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 10 Nov. 2025

If Robert came clean to his co-workers, everyone but Flambae is hanging out in the hanger to support his first test run of the equipment. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 7 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