hang on

verb

hung on; hanging on; hangs on

intransitive verb

1

: to keep hold : hold on to something

2

: to persist tenaciously

a cold that hung on all spring

3

: hold on sense 2

I'll get the answer if you can hang on.

see also:

hang on to

Examples of hang on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Elmhurst police, eastbound lanes of the Eisenhower (I-290) were closed as crews responded to the point where the expressway passes over Vallette Street and Electric Avenue, where the 18-wheel semi-truck loaded with plastic was hanging on its side. —Kris Habermehl, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026

Celebrate your workout by hanging on the pool deck, with fireplace and hot tub. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2026

During a weekend swing through West Texas last month, Talarico dropped off the trail long enough to preach at Lubbock’s Covenant Presbyterian, where the faithful hung on every word of his 10-minute sermon. —Philip Elliott, Time, 4 Mar. 2026

But hang on, just to double check, there’s going to be an incredibly high bar for VAR intervening in decisions, right? —Tim Spiers, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1719, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hang on

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

hang on

verb

1

: to keep hold or possession especially tightly

hang on or you'll fall

hang on to your money

2

: to continue stubbornly

a cold that hung on all spring