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

Preserves the structural integrity and safety of the deck by protecting the structure from water damage that may otherwise rust fasteners, weaken support posts, deteriorate joist hangers, warp deck boards, and rot the wood. —Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 29 May 2026

The feeding ports keep out buzzing bees, while the ant moat hanger will keep away pesky ants, so the nectar is saved just for the hummingbirds. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2026

This 10-pack of space-saving hangers multiplies your closet capacity by hanging multiple items vertically. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026

New Georgia Project canvasser Mardie Hill holds informational door hangers about the upcoming primary election on May 23, 2022, in East Point, Georgia. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 20 May 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