hinge

noun

\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 Learn More about hinge

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Synonyms for hinge

Synonyms: Verb

depend, hang, ride, turn

Examples of hinge in a Sentence

Verb

the outcome of the game hinged on a single play

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Democrats’ hopes of recapturing the Senate hinge on all their incumbents winning — a difficult task — and on flipping seats in Nevada, won by Hillary Clinton in 2016, and a few states that lean Republican, most notably Arizona, Tennessee and Texas. — Ken Thomas, The Seattle Times, "WHAT TO WATCH: After turbulent campaign, it’s up to voters," 7 Nov. 2018 The Jets’ ongoing rebuild hinges on Maccagnan’s ability to pick the right quarterback. — Ben Shpigel, New York Times, "Jets and Giants Share Something Else: High Stakes at the Draft," 24 Apr. 2018 Twitter user WalkingCat spotted an API for devices with two screens and a hinge. — Peter Bright, Ars Technica, "New hinge API gives more hints about Microsoft’s 2-screen “Andromeda” device," 29 June 2018 Jones' daughter, Emily, told KGO that cabinet doors were ripped off the hinges and surfaces were coated with vegetable oil in an attempt to disguise fingerprints. — Joy Johnston, ajc, "Airbnb host says her home was robbed, trashed by renters," 12 May 2018 This double hinge make the handle go through a much larger angle of movement than the blade goes through. — Rhett Allain, WIRED, "Want to Prune Trees More Easily? Use Physics," 2 May 2018 The electronic opener had been disabled, and attempts to remove the hinges were unsuccessful due to safety concerns for the people inside, according to CBP. — Kristina Davis, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Girl, 10, and mom rescued from compartment during border smuggling attempt," 3 July 2018 This period, known as the Enlightenment, was a hinge point in human history. — Mark Sappenfield, The Christian Science Monitor, "The largest patriotism," 3 July 2018 The Angels’ shrinking chances of reemerging in the American League wild card race hinge on many things, including Richards’ performance. — Jeff Miller, latimes.com, "Angels beat Mariners, but see ace Garrett Richards exit early," 11 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Female arousal can hinge on a woman's erotic relationship with herself, which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on her own self-image. — Amanda Mitchell, Marie Claire, "The "Wonderful Weirdness" of Female Sexuality," 23 Oct. 2018 The decision will likely hinge heavily on government incentives like tax breaks, which have mostly been kept secret. — Rani Molla, Recode, "Amazon’s HQ2 announcement is imminent. Here’s a look at the final contenders.," 15 Oct. 2018 Hip-hinging movements in general are important for a number of reasons. — Jenny Mccoy, SELF, "Gymnast Nastia Liukin Works Her Core, Hips, and Glutes With This Exercise," 7 Aug. 2018 His four-guard offense will hinge on the ability to get up and down quickly. — Danielle Lerner, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville basketball takeaways: Chris Mack gives updates on new Cards," 10 July 2018 Given the way the Clippers have navigated their other business this summer, Harrell's odds of returning may hinge on his willingness to accept a one-year deal. — Rob Mahoney, SI.com, "The Best Players Left in NBA Free Agency," 9 July 2018 The case hinges on a pretty simple argument: Does requiring Medicaid recipients to work to receive benefits further the program’s goals? — Dylan Scott, Vox, "Federal judge blocks Kentucky’s Medicaid work requirements," 29 June 2018 For Buford and coach Gregg Popovich, the remainder of the roster-building process will hinge on what happens with Leonard, and what kind of return the Spurs get for him in a potential trade. — Jeff Mcdonald, San Antonio Express-News, "As free agency opens, Spurs’ ‘Kawisis’ looms large — but there are other issues too," 29 June 2018 The government’s case hinged on an economic model produced by Carl Shapiro, an economist at the University of California at Berkeley, who predicted an annual price increase to consumers of at least $285 million. — Time, "AT&T Just Got Cleared to Buy Time Warner in a Massive $85 Billion Media Merger," 12 June 2018

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.