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 Learn More about hinge

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Synonyms for hinge

Synonyms: Verb

Examples of hinge in a Sentence

Verb the outcome of the game hinged on a single play

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Even Microsoft waded into the weird end of the pool with the Duo, a book-like phone with dual displays connected by a vertical hinge in the center. — Julian Chokkattu, Wired, "The Future of Phone Design: Flexible Screens That Roll Up," 13 Jan. 2021 Keeping your core tight, push through your heels, and lift the weight, straightening your knees first, keeping your back flat, and then reversing the hinge at your hip to stand up the rest of the way. — Amy Eisinger, M.a., SELF, "How to Do a Deadlift Correctly," 4 Jan. 2021 The chassis is almost entirely sealed, save for a thin grille for airflow that is recessed below the display hinge. — Jeff Dunn, Ars Technica, "Microsoft Surface Laptop Go review: Goldilocks and the three SKUs," 7 Nov. 2020 The state’s doctor shortage has worsened during the coronavirus pandemic, and experts say the chances of a rebound hinge on Hawaii’s ability to help doctors stay in business. — From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, "Back in class, late-night shots, library hero: News from around our 50 states," 12 Jan. 2021 Atop that is a magnetic ball which, when paired with its flat circular magnetic plate, acts as a hinge that rotates and stays fixed with the weight of the phone in any direction. — Corey Gaskin, Ars Technica, "The best accessories and MagSafe gear for your new iPhone 12," 29 Dec. 2020 Inside the labs, workers slide a needle through a hinge of the shell. — Tim Prudente, baltimoresun.com, "How the coronavirus vaccine relies on Maryland’s strangest fishery: horseshoe crabs," 31 Dec. 2020 Add shrimp and mussels to skillet, hinge-tips down. — Kate Merker, Country Living, "Seafood and Chorizo Paella with Bell Peppers," 13 Dec. 2020 San Diego State’s hopes of reaching a bowl game for 11th straight season hinge on what Fresno State does this week San Diego State has had a winning record in Mountain West conference games 10 times in the past 11 seasons. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "3 Things We Learned ... in the Aztecs’ 29-17 win over Colorado State," 6 Dec. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Many operators say their plans for the final stretch of Carnival hinge on the local level of coronavirus infection rates and the decisions by city and state officials over reopening phases. — Ian Mcnulty | Staff Writer, NOLA.com, "For a Mardi Gras without parades, New Orleans restaurants find new roles," 26 Jan. 2021 The Biden Administration should redouble support for human rights defenders in the country and hinge engagement with Myanmar on clear benchmarks for progress, including the restoration of full citizenship rights for Rohingya. — Matthew Smith, Time, "Why Joe Biden Should Help the Rohingya People of Myanmar," 6 Jan. 2021 Bradley, noting Bosa’s work ethic and dependability, knows the Chargers’ chances hinge heavily on the play of their top defender. — Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, "In drop-the-mic performance, Chargers’ Joey Bosa exudes that he’s a good sport," 3 Dec. 2020 Because so many things hinge on the outcome of this election, all hands are on deck to get out the vote. — Ineye Komonibo, refinery29.com, "Your Internet Boyfriends & Girlfriends Really, Really Want You To Vote," 29 Oct. 2020 Ultimately this is what success might hinge on — not only the goodwill of existing customers but an influx of new ones and, once the virus abates, the return of habitual in-store shopping. — Dorany Pineda, Los Angeles Times, "For L.A. bookstores during COVID-19, this holiday season is make or break," 14 Dec. 2020 But the unexpectedly poor showing for Orban, who also wants to end the health crisis and overhaul the judiciary and public administration, means his hopes could hinge on finding more coalition allies. — Irina Vilcu, Bloomberg.com, "Romanian Premier Upbeat on Coalition Chances Despite Losing Vote," 6 Dec. 2020 Still, these ambitions hinge on the caucus remaining united in the face of massive pressure from constituents. — Carly Roman, Washington Examiner, "Lee Zeldin lays out plan for GOP as a minority party," 11 Jan. 2021 Amanda Smith, who hosts the podcast Disaster Girls with former WIRED writer Jordan Crucchiola, believes the immediate future of disaster films could hinge on how Songbird is received. — Kate Knibbs, Wired, "Can Disaster Movies Survive a Pandemic?," 25 Dec. 2020

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.