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

Phrases

hang on to

: to hold, grip, or keep tenaciously

Examples of hang on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The three signs hang on the white fence, a nod to Lukas' pristine ways at his barn. —Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2025

Framed inspirational quotes hang on the wall, from both tech icons and Mercor engineers alike. —Richard Nieva, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Here, there are Damian Hirsts and Andy Warhols hanging on the walls, while dog toys are scattered on the floor and bare feet are propped up on coffee tables. —Mark David, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025

Fans got a glimpse at the duo's to-wear-or-not-to-wear banter on Instagram when the Padma's All American author attempted to police her offspring's low-rise jeans by finding any solution to keep them hung on her hips. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025

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