hang on

verb

hung on; hanging on; hangs on

intransitive verb

1

: to keep hold : hold on to something

2

: to persist tenaciously

a cold that hung on all spring

3

: hold on sense 2

I'll get the answer if you can hang on.

see also:

hang on to

Examples of hang on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Losing Buxton again with only 29 games remaining would be worrisome for the Twins, who are hanging on the edge of the American League wild-card race. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

My parents hung on to it in the hope that its mate would materialize. — Brian Braiker, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026

The one picture hanging on the wall is another of Cowin’s images from the same series. — Leah Ollman, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Inside, antique art hangs on walls, tamgroute (local pottery) lines small alcoves, board games are stacked inside cupboards, and coffee table books have plenty to dive into. — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1719, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hang on

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

hang on

verb

1

: to keep hold or possession especially tightly

hang on or you'll fall

hang on to your money

2

: to continue stubbornly

a cold that hung on all spring