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

And now that he's learned the shocking truth about her death, her resurrection in the season 2 finale leaves the series hanging on an ominous note. —Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Jan. 2026

After the fleece is placed on the tree, not with a spear, but simply hung on it, the group discovers the next day that Thalia has been resurrected. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Francis Parker hung on to win 63-60 on Friday after blowing a 20-point lead in the second half. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Jan. 2026

But there is a quieter, often invisible group of families, seniors, and veterans in Orange County who are barely hanging on – struggling to pay rent, buy groceries, afford medicine, and keep the lights on. —Lucy Dunn, Oc Register, 18 Jan. 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