hanging

1 of 2

adjective

hang·​ing ˈhaŋ-iŋ How to pronounce hanging (audio)
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
b
: a covering (such as a tapestry) for a wall
3
: a downward slope : declivity

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
The neutral material keeps it from looking like an eye sore and can be expanded for more hanging space as needed. Micaela Arnett, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2024 This playful hanging figure will give your trick-or-treaters and guests a laugh instead of a fright. Wendy Vazquez, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2023
Noun
This is why violating your culture should result in a public hanging. George Bradt, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 Panos Anastasiou is accused of posting online messages that contained violent, racist and homophobic rhetoric coupled with threats of assassination via torture, hanging and firearms. ABC News, 22 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hanging 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hanging.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hanging was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near hanging

Cite this Entry

“Hanging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hanging. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on hanging

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