hinge

1 of 2

noun

ˈhinj 

1

a

: a jointed or flexible device on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns

b

: a flexible ligamentous joint

c

: a small piece of thin gummed paper used in fastening a postage stamp in an album

2

: a determining factor : turning point

Illustration of hinge

• hinge 1a

hinge

2 of 2

verb

hinged; hinging

intransitive verb

1

: to swing on or as if on a hinge

These thoughtful amenities include … an outdoor patio TV that hinges outward toward the pool …

—Paul Takahashi

… we pulled within feet of a 12-foot crocodile, his huge jaw hinging open in warning to reveal a toothy grin.

—Andrea Bartz

2

: to be contingent on a single consideration or point

—used with on or upon

the prosecution's case hinges on the DNA evidence

transitive verb

: to attach by or furnish with hinges

Synonyms

Verb

• depend
• hang
• ride
• turn

Examples of hinge in a Sentence

Verb

the outcome of the game hinged on a single play

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The show’s continuing appeal hinges largely on Guralnik; her calm demeanor and sharp analytical framing guide the participants (and the audience) toward astute insights about their relationship patterns. —Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024

These 2-in-1 computers upgrade the norm with touchscreen displays, 360-degree hinges, and detachable keyboards. —Daniel Thorp-Lancaster, WIRED, 10 Dec. 2024

Verb

Do a standing hip hinge as follows: Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Shift your weight back onto your heels and hinge forward at your hips—do not bend over at your waist. —Aubrey Bailey, Pt, Dpt, Cht, Verywell Health, 20 Nov. 2024

The bounds of the potential destruction will hinge only on the will, and the restraint, of both human and machine. —Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English heng; akin to Middle Dutch henge hook, Old English hangian to hang

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1719, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing hinge

• butt hinge
• hinge joint
• hinge on
• piano hinge

Kids Definition

hinge

1 of 2 noun

ˈhinj 

1

: a jointed piece on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns

2

: the joint between valves of a bivalve's shell

hinge

2 of 2 verb

hinged; hinging

1

: to attach by or provide with hinges

2

: to hang or turn as if on a hinge : depend

our success hinges on this decision