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.
Phrases
hang on to
: to hold, grip, or keep tenaciously

Examples of hang on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The species has an adhesive plate on its head that helps to create a kind of vacuum seal, allowing the fish to grab a whale and hang on for the ride. CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025 Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are done, even if the latter continues to hang on well into his 40s. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2025 He is allowed to hang on to his Falklands War campaign medal, according to The Guardian and The Telegraph. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025 The wild animal wasted no time in grabbing on to the cone and hung on tightly as he was reeled up. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hang on

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1719, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hang on was circa 1719

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hang on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hang%20on. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on hang on

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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