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

Afternoon clouds linger, but rain becomes less likely Showers should be less likely by afternoon, although clouds may hang on near the coast. — Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 11 Nov. 2026

To fund this extra $300 million, Rayonier's land can be construed as having a for-sale sign hung on it. — Sebastien Chasse, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2026

Meanwhile, a pair of massive midcentury French ceramic faces that hang on a wall opposite the menu of the day are on loan from Baraghani’s own home. — Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 10 Nov. 2026

As most of the guys surrounded the TV, readying for kickoff, Zorich walked the perimeter, thumbs tucked into the front of his jeans, peering intensely at the memorabilia hanging on the walls. — Dana Oneil, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 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