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

And then, over the course of that sequence, transition into digital effects [as the fighter flies out of the hanger]. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025

The witness recalled an incident when the three of them were at Ventura's apartment in 2018 when, Morgan claims, Combs grabbed her by the neck and hit her with a wooden hanger. —Adam Reiss, NBC news, 19 May 2025

But what happens if the drywall hanger overdrives the screws and tears the facing paper? —Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2025

In it, John and Quiet are standing in a hanger, watching a large set of doors open incredibly slowly. —Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 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