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

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 President Donald Trump's search for a Supreme Court justice destined to serve for decades to come hinges on the pluses and minuses of one leading candidate: Brett Michael Kavanaugh. — Richard Wolf, USA TODAY, "For President Trump, Supreme Court nomination may hinge on Brett Kavanaugh's risks and rewards," 6 July 2018 The success of any hypercar hinges on three elements: ludicrous performance, decadent looks, and abject scarcity. — Basem Wasef, WIRED, "McLaren's $958,966 Senna Hypercar Ain't Pretty, but It Can Whip a Track," 30 June 2018 In this way, a printer can make a complex object like a door hinge or a gear. — Hiawatha Bray, BostonGlobe.com, "3D printing companies clash in federal court," 13 July 2018 Still, recording devices are hidden in shoes, wallets, bags, bathroom walls, door hinges, and more in an attempt to record women when they are indisposed. — Brooke Bunce, Teen Vogue, "South Korean Women Protest "Spy-Cam Porn"," 12 June 2018 But Lyft is still a company seeking profit, just like all the others, and its future hinges on convincing everybody to get along—even in the backseat. — Aarian Marshall, WIRED, "Lyft Redesigns Its App—and Strategy—for the Age of Sharing," 7 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Much of the case, though, could hinge on whose medical experts jurors will believe. — George Houde, chicagotribune.com, "Donnie Rudd guilty of killing wife in ’73, making it look like car crash; likely to spend rest of life in prison," 2 July 2018 Cleveland’s entire offseason—and long-term future—hinges James’ free agency, as does much of the activity around the rest of the NBA. — Ben Ladner, SI.com, "Cleveland Cavaliers Offseason Preview: Will LeBron James Stay or Go?," 10 June 2018 But once again, the plan hinges on swing votes Laurel and Donathan. — Stephen Fishbach, PEOPLE.com, "Stephen Fishbach's Survivor Blog: The Family Visit Brings Big Emotions — But What About Big Moves?," 9 May 2018 If Margaret and Ruth are kindred spirits, the rest of the plot hinges on different worlds colliding. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "Howards End Is a Lavish Portrait of Cultural Division," 8 Apr. 2018 Doing their jobs Ultimately, much of the safety issue hinges on everyone doing their jobs. — Mary Jo Pitzl, azcentral, "Should foster-home licenses be good 'forever'? Bill splits child advocates," 10 Mar. 2018 Much of what happens with MSU could hinge on Xavier and Cincinnati, because Detroit is the closest geographic spot to those two. — Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, "Will Michigan State play at Little Caesars Arena in NCAA tournament?," 4 Mar. 2018 As Does the Spacing of the Cups on a Bra: So much of the bra shopping process hinges on the size (or letter) of the cup—but, according to the experts, the key to getting the best fit might actually be in how the cups are spaced out on a bra. — Claudia Saide, Glamour, "I'm as Flat as They Come, And I've Finally Figured Out How to Shop for Bras," 1 Mar. 2018 Even if conservationists prevail, the fate of the red wolves still hinges on the management of the program and the will of the federal government to save a species in peril. — Anchorage Daily News, "This distinctively American wolf may be going extinct in the wild – again," 5 Feb. 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.