hinge

noun

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\ ˈhinj

Definition of hinge

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a jointed or flexible device on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns

b : a flexible ligamentous joint

c : a small piece of thin gummed paper used in fastening a postage stamp in an album

2 : a determining factor : turning point

hinge

verb

hinged; hinging

Definition of hinge (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to swing on or as if on a hinge These thoughtful amenities include … an outdoor patio TV that hinges outward toward the pool …— Paul Takahashi … we pulled within feet of a 12-foot crocodile, his huge jaw hinging open in warning to reveal a toothy grin.— Andrea Bartz

2 : to be contingent on a single consideration or point —used with on or upon the prosecution's case hinges on the DNA evidence

transitive verb

: to attach by or furnish with hinges

Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing hinge Learn More About hinge

Examples of hinge in a Sentence

Verb the outcome of the game hinged on a single play

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun In almost every reading of Auden, the familiar hinge of his career remains visible—and indeed is emphasized in the division of these two volumes, the first of which ends in 1939 and the second of which begins in 1940. — Alan Jacobs, Harper’s Magazine , 27 Apr. 2022 The moment, at its simplest and cruelest, was a hinge in a long saga. — New York Times, 9 Feb. 2022 For this exercise, 100% of the motion is a hinge from your hips while the spine remains 100% stable. — Jay Dicharry, Outside Online, 10 Sep. 2019 Dell also overhauled the XPS 13 2-in-1's design, transforming it from a portable ultralight with a 360-degree hinge to a tablet with an optional detachable keyboard cover sold separately. — Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 9 June 2022 Position each hinge on the top, and use a knife to mark its perimeter. — Thomas Klenck, Popular Mechanics, 14 Aug. 2021 Initiate the hip hinge again to lower the weight towards the floor while maintaining a flat back. — Greg Presto, Men's Health, 26 May 2022 Apparently, changes to the hinge will let Samsung reduce the handset’s weight. — Chris Smith, BGR, 22 Apr. 2022 The pin added five lucrative points for Oregon State and made the potential of winning the title hinge on the final two matches. — Jenna Ortiz, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Instead, the radical group engineers environments that hinge on collaboration, and foster social, cultural, and creative exchange. — Cassidy George, Vogue, 22 June 2022 But these consumer-protection economics hinge upon the U.S. Senate passing legislation that has languished for months after passing the House of Representatives. — Energy Innovation: Policy And Technology, Forbes, 21 June 2022 Such ambitions all hinge on Moscow’s success in the east. — Anchorage Daily News, 13 June 2022 And some noted the commission is also a better venue for many cases that hinge on evidence generally not allowed in traditional courtroom proceedings, such as an employee recalling what their boss told them in private. — Todd Wallack, BostonGlobe.com, 30 May 2022 But the schedule might hinge on Foxconn’s ability to resume hiring more workers. — Chris Smith, BGR, 5 May 2022 The parking situation will hinge on what at this point are two unknowns — how many people carpool to games and how many arrive by trolley. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 May 2022 Part of that work will hinge on understanding how to best help patients once they’re identified as high risk. — Mohana Ravindranath, STAT, 29 Apr. 2022 This runoff, which polls predict could be close, will hinge to a large extent on perceptions of the economy. — New York Times, 22 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hinge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.