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
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.
Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut hung on at No. 3 with another 5.7M views this week. Katie Campione, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024 The withering vestiges of avant-garde New York—the writers, critics, artists, filmmakers, and dancers who have hung on since its peak—feel a little less vital today without his contempt. Daniel Felsenthal, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024 Connie Nielsen, reprising her role as Lucis’ mother Lucilla from the first film, has only wooden dialogue and little character development to hang on. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 Oct. 2024 Here's where and why Still hanging on to your early ballot in Arizona? Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 31 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 21 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!