Illustration of hinge
- hinge 1a
1
a
: 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
hinged; hinging
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
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
Andrea Bartz2
: to be contingent on a single consideration or point
—used with on or upon
the prosecution's case hinges on the DNA evidence
: to attach by or furnish with hinges
Examples of hinge in a Sentence
Verb
the outcome of the game hinged on a single play
Recent Examples on the Web
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025
Whether American universities will continue as a global leader for scientific research hinges in large measure in how these cases will be concluded.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
And by the demands of working with Shia LaBeouf, whose method hinges upon antagonizing his director at every turn.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hinge
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Noun
Formula dispenser lids come in many different styles, including twist-off, hinge variety or completely snap-off covers.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025
Whether American universities will continue as a global leader for scientific research hinges in large measure in how these cases will be concluded.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
More Getty Images Of course, much of that will hinge upon Pitts' production throughout the season.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
And by the demands of working with Shia LaBeouf, whose method hinges upon antagonizing his director at every turn.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hinge
Cite this Entry
“Hinge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hinge. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hinge
1 of 2 noun1
: a jointed piece on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns
2
: the joint between valves of a bivalve's shell
hinge
2 of 2 verb
hinged; hinging
1
: to attach by or provide with hinges
2
: to hang or turn as if on a hinge : depend
our success hinges on this decision
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