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
Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
An ultrasonic cleaner gently removes smudges, oil, and makeup—even around the nose pads and hinges—without scratching your lenses.
—Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025
Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Push your hip slightly back and hinge forward on the lunging leg to load your glutes.
—Jakob Roze, Health, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hinge
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Noun
This hack has been quietly circulating among frequent flyers for years, but many casual flyers don't know that many economy-class aisle or middle-seat armrests feature a lever or button near the hinge; slide your finger underneath and press or pull to release the lock.
—Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
An ultrasonic cleaner gently removes smudges, oil, and makeup—even around the nose pads and hinges—without scratching your lenses.
—Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
At a time when starting pitchers do not get pushed deep into games — and Wrigley Field has turned into a difficult hitting environment — this best-of-three matchup could ultimately hinge upon which club has the better bullpen.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Push your hip slightly back and hinge forward on the lunging leg to load your glutes.
—Jakob Roze, Health, 24 Sep. 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 Oct. 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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