hanger

noun

hang·​er ˈhaŋ-ər 

1

: one that hangs or causes to be hung or hanged

2

: something that hangs, overhangs, or is suspended: such as

a

: a decorative strip of cloth

b

: a small sword formerly used by seamen

c

chiefly British : a small wood on steeply sloping land

3

: a device by which or to which something is hung or hangs: such as

a

: a strap on a sword belt by which a sword or dagger can be suspended

b

: a loop by which a garment is hung up

c

: a device that fits inside or around a garment for hanging from a hook or rod

Examples of hanger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For hung clothes, use hangers of all the same size. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025

The open wire design helps ripen fruit while the nifty banana hanger keeps them from bruising. —Clint Davis, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025

The hangers are embossed with an antiquated A for Augustine. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 7 July 2025

Flowy blouses, jackets, and dresses should be hung on sturdy, non-slip hangers. —Lauryn Higgins, Time, 1 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hanger

• cliff-hanger
• clothes hanger
• coat hanger
• hanger-on
• hanger steak

Rhymes for hanger

• ganger
• hangar

Video

Is It 'Hanger' or 'Hangar'?

How to remember which is which

Kids Definition

hanger

noun

hang·​er ˈhaŋ-ər 

1

: one that hangs

2

: a device by which something hangs

especially : a device for hanging a garment from a hook or rod