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
Phrases
hang on to
: to hold, grip, or keep tenaciously

Examples of hang on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There are still metal rings hanging on either side of the extra-high entrance for tethering horses. Jo Rodgers, Vogue, 3 May 2024 The jury also convicted one of the defendants, 27-year-old Brian Cortez Lightfoot, of five additional counts of use of tear gas not in self-defense, but ended up hung on nine counts of assault. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 May 2024 Recommended Hope for future breakthroughs for Ukraine still hangs on more timely deliveries of Western aid, lawmakers acknowledge. Jill Lawless and Samya Kullab, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Apr. 2024 Clinging to memories At the one-story ranch home that Iris shares with Osman, little hangs on the avocado-green walls of the living room. Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2024 Intensive local conservation efforts, including a captive breeding program at Healesville Sanctuary, a Zoos Victoria park, helped the birds hang on. Emily Anthes Chang W. Lee, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2024 The Razorbacks built a 5-0 lead but had to hang on late to beat the Crimson Tide for the third consecutive time. Tom Murphy, arkansasonline.com, 13 Apr. 2024 How grotesque to watch long-term U.S. security interests hang on the outcome of a political battle between the Hamlet-like speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, and vengeful MAGA conspiracy theorist Marjorie Taylor Greene. Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2024 Check out Caterpillars Count, Track a Lilac, Globe at Night, and others at our NSF Projects Page! April 17: Count Bats for Bat Appreciation Day Many bats, like this one, are just hanging on. Bob Hirshon, Discover Magazine, 12 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hang on.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1719, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hang on was circa 1719

Dictionary Entries Near hang on

Cite this Entry

“Hang on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hang%20on. Accessed 7 May. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on hang on

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!