straphanger

strap·hang·er | \ ˈstrap-ˌhaŋ-ər

How to pronounce straphanger (audio)

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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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Examples of straphanger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Transit activists, transit executives, disability-rights advocates, labor leaders, bus and subway workers, good-government gadflies, and straphangers from every borough expressed shock and dismay. — William Finnegan, The New Yorker, "Andy Byford’s Last Day with New York’s Transit System," 20 Feb. 2020 This ride must be demolished immediately, and replaced with one where kids pack into buses and take 45 minutes to go half a mile while averting their face from the prominently odorous armpit of an adjacent straphanger. — James Lileks, National Review, "Complainerland," 24 Oct. 2019 No one scoffed outright at my Thom Browne kilt, but any straphangers who noticed me seemed to very quickly avert their gaze. — Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, "Odell Beckham Jr. Wore a Man-Skirt. So I Did, Too," 24 June 2019 The straphanger suffered bruising and swelling to his face. — Katherine Lam, Fox News, "Person of interest ID'd in Times Square subway station attack," 2 Oct. 2018 The straphanger suffered bruising and swelling to his face. — Katherine Lam, Fox News, "Person of interest ID'd in Times Square subway station attack," 2 Oct. 2018 The straphanger suffered bruising and swelling to his face. — Katherine Lam, Fox News, "Person of interest ID'd in Times Square subway station attack," 2 Oct. 2018 The straphanger suffered bruising and swelling to his face. — Katherine Lam, Fox News, "Person of interest ID'd in Times Square subway station attack," 2 Oct. 2018 The straphanger suffered bruising and swelling to his face. — Katherine Lam, Fox News, "Person of interest ID'd in Times Square subway station attack," 2 Oct. 2018

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.

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Last Updated

29 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Straphanger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straphanger. Accessed 31 Mar. 2020.

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