straphanger
noun
strap·hang·er
ˈstrap-ˌhaŋ-ər 
: a standing passenger in a subway, streetcar, bus, or train who clings for support to one of the short straps or similar devices placed along the aisle
Examples of straphanger in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
His wife stood by him as straphangers both jeered and applauded.
—
Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Cops released photos of a man wanted for slashing a 29-year-old straphanger in the face a week ago aboard an F train in Queens, police said.
—Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2025
Two other straphangers helped restrain him, and video that captured part of the encounter shows Neely, a Michael Jackson impersonator, slowly go limp then die.
—Fox News Staff, Fox News, 5 May 2023
On the 7 train, which runs from Manhattan to Queens, Benita sits uncomfortably among straphangers wearing surgical masks and KN95s.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for straphanger
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Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Cops released photos of a man wanted for slashing a 29-year-old straphanger in the face a week ago aboard an F train in Queens, police said.
—Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2025
Two other straphangers helped restrain him, and video that captured part of the encounter shows Neely, a Michael Jackson impersonator, slowly go limp then die.
—Fox News Staff, Fox News, 5 May 2023
On the 7 train, which runs from Manhattan to Queens, Benita sits uncomfortably among straphangers wearing surgical masks and KN95s.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for straphanger
Cite this Entry
“Straphanger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straphanger. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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