hanging

1 of 2

adjective

hang·​ing ˈhaŋ-iŋ 

1

: situated or lying on steeply sloping ground

2

a

: jutting out : overhanging

a hanging rock

b

: supported only by the wall on one side

a hanging staircase

3

archaic : downcast in appearance

4

: adapted for sustaining a hanging object

5

: deserving, likely to cause, or prone to inflict death by hanging

hanging

2 of 2

noun

1

: an execution by strangling or breaking the neck by a suspended noose

2

: something hung: such as

a

: curtain

b

: a covering (such as a tapestry) for a wall

3

: a downward slope : declivity

Synonyms of hanging

Adjective

• bowing
• nodding
• weeping
• bowed
• falling
• hung
• dangling

Noun

• downhill
• dip
• fall
• descent
• decline
• hang

Examples of hanging in a Sentence

Adjective

hanging branches blocked our way for a good part of the trail

light from a hanging chandelier filled the great hall

Noun

The hanging was scheduled for 3 o'clock.

He was sentenced to death by hanging.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

To maintain the immersive illusion, Iñárritu eschewed traditional hanging fabric. —Robert Lang, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026

Leaving either of those bare was a topic of discussion, Carney says; a trade-off between the goal of paying homage to Steinway’s legacy and getting enough hanging space. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 9 Feb. 2026

Noun

Baker’s Indigenous and German heritage inform her three large abstract collage hangings, created using synthetic turf animated by acrylic paint, yarn and a variety of natural materials, including corn husk, willow, buffalo hide and buckskin. —Grant Klarich Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026

These giant, South American perennials take on a tree shape and are festooned in long, hanging, trumpet-shape blooms that release a wonderful perfume in late afternoon. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hanging

• hanging indention
• hanging lobster claw
• low-hanging fruit

Rhymes for hanging

• banging
• clanging
• ganging
• haranguing
• overhanging

Kids Definition

hanging

1 of 2 noun

hang·​ing

ˈhaŋ-iŋ

1

: an execution by strangling or breaking the neck by a suspended noose

2

: something hung (as a curtain or tapestry)

—usually used in plural

hanging

2 of 2 adjective

1

: located on steeply sloping ground

hanging gardens

2

a

: sticking out

hanging rocks

b

: supported only by the wall on one side

a hanging staircase

3

: suitable for holding a hanging object

4

: punishable by hanging

a hanging offense