hang on

verb

hung on; hanging on; hangs on
Synonyms of hang onnext

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His favorite possession is a bootleg VHS tape of Top Gun, the poster of which hangs on his wall. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Even at the top of the roster, hanging on to Trey Hendrickson rather than dealing him in March. — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Saud Shakeel, 23 off 36 balls, and opener Shan Masood, 15 off 42, hung on to lunch. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 Why is Walter fighting to keep the Dodgers Henson teamed with Times colleagues to write about Walter’s chances of hanging on to the Dodgers amid this federal probe and whether new owners Bob Iger and Josh Kushner overpaid for the Lakers. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hang on

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

Rhymes for hang on

See All Rhymes for hang on

Browse Nearby Words

hang off
hang on
hang one's hat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hang on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hang%20on. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hang on

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