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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The polar bear who finally manages to catch a seal might understand death just as well as the heartbroken monkey mother who hangs on to her baby’s corpse, even though the former thinks of it as a gain rather than a loss. Susana Monsó, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024 The only response came from Harris’ office, Barrett said, which told her to hang on. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024 The Colts will try to hang on to their No. 2 spot in the AFC South by beating the No. 2 team in the AFC East on Sunday. Justin L. MacK, Axios, 18 Oct. 2024 The North Carolina family managed to hang on to the roof, which was floating. Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 16 Oct. 2024 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

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 5 Nov. 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
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