straphanger

play

noun strap·hang·er \ ˈstrap-ˌhaŋ-ər \

Definition of straphanger

: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

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straphang

play \-ˌhaŋ\ intransitive verb

Recent Examples of straphanger from the Web

Yesterday straphangers got a surprise in the form of regal modeling legend Iman, who brought her supermodel style underground, quite literally.

— janelle okwodu, Vogue, "Iman Rides the Subway in New York, Looks Totally Flawless Despite the Heat," 20 July 2017
And now, see: the New York City subway system, where a Friday morning downpour created some, er, soggy conditions for exasperated straphangers.

— martine powers, Washington Post, "Check out this shocking ‘tropical waterfall’ inside a New York subway station," 7 July 2017
Hundreds of straphangers were recently stranded on a steamy F train in Manhattan that left them struggling to pry open the doors to escape.

— marc santora, emma g. fitzsimmons, Alaska Dispatch News, "Safety concerns intensify as New York subway derailment injures dozens," 28 June 2017
Alcantara, in his graduation robes, made an announcement to the car, thanking his fellow straphangers for joining him for his graduation ceremony.

— sarah jorgensen, CNN, "Subway delays lead one college graduate to celebrate commencement on train," 1 June 2017
Straphangers also issues year-end top-ten worst and best lists.

— nick paumgarten, The New Yorker, "The Second Avenue Subway Is Here!," 13 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'straphanger.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.