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

The simple outfit was part of a hanger full of clothes left out for Smith, then 30, to wear during the series. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2026

Isaiah’s sister testified that the boy was repeatedly punched, kicked and beat with hangers and wires. — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Lindsey, who shares travel tips under the handle @trolley__dolly, posted a photo of the wire hooked onto a door hanger inside another flight attendant’s room. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026

Perched above the custom triple clamps are narrow ape-hanger handlebars flanked by a classic square headlight and a handcrafted cowl that accentuates the bike's narrow silhouette. — New Atlas, 2 Sep. 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