hanger-on

noun

hang·​er-on ˈhaŋ-ər-ˌȯn How to pronounce hanger-on (audio)
-ˌän
plural hangers-on
: one that hangs around a person, place, or institution especially for personal gain

Examples of hanger-on in a Sentence

almost overnight, the singer was a star, and almost overnight, he was surrounded by hangers-on who wanted something
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.
Financial literacy is a fundamental need for players making tens of millions of dollars, engulfed in a universe of scheming advisors and hangers-on looking to cash in. Guy Lawson, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025 His attorneys portrayed his accusers as Hollywood wannabes and hangers-on who willingly hooked up with him to court opportunity, then recast the encounters as crimes years later to collect settlement funds and #MeToo approbation. Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025 There is a reason so many Florida university and college presidents are these days being recruited from the ranks of politicians and political hangers-on. Ron Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025 Brought audiences a unique view of the hangers-on around big stars and unleashed the immortal character of agent Ari Gold played by Jeremy Piven. Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hanger-on

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hanger-on was in 1542

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Cite this Entry

“Hanger-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hanger-on. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

hanger-on

noun
hang·​er-on
ˈhaŋ-ə-ˌrȯn,
-ˌrän
plural hangers-on
: one that spends time around a person, place, or institution in hope of personal gain
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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