Definition of hinge
1a : a jointed or flexible device on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turnsb : a flexible ligamentous jointc : a small piece of thin gummed paper used in fastening a postage stamp in an album
2 : a determining factor : turning point
From the M-W Editors
Illustration of hinge
Origin and Etymology of hinge
Middle English heng; akin to Middle Dutch henge hook, Old English hangian to hang
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Anatomy Terms
hinge
Definition of hinge
hinged
;hinging
intransitive verb
: 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
Examples of hinge in a Sentence
the outcome of the game hinged on a single play
1719
First Known Use of hinge
1719
HINGE Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of hinge for English Language Learners
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: a usually metal piece that attaches a door, gate, or cover to something and allows it to open and close
hinge
Definition of hinge for English Language Learners
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: to attach (a door, gate, or cover) by hinges
HINGE Defined for Kids
Definition of hinge for Students
: a jointed piece on which a door, gate, or lid turns or swings
Definition of hinge for Students
hinged
;hinging
: to attach by or provide with hinges
hinge on
: to be determined or decided by Our plans hinge on the weather.
Learn More about hinge
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See words that rhyme with hinge Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hinge Spanish Central: Translation of hinge Nglish: Translation of hinge for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of hinge for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hinge
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