hanger-on

noun

hang·​er-on ˈhaŋ-ər-ˌȯn 

-ˌän

plural hangers-on

: one that hangs around a person, place, or institution especially for personal gain

Synonyms

• bloodsucker
• free rider
• freeloader
• leech
• moocher
• parasite
• sponge
• sponger

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

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

In the first half of Hurry Up Tomorrow, Tesfaye worries about his ever-weakening voice amid a relentless tour cycle where he’s tormented and inundated with partying hangers-on and lewd friend turned manager Lee (Barry Keoghan). —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 16 May 2025

The Wild Card is mind-numbing showcase of boxing photos, sweat, noise and hangers-on. —Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hanger-on

• aileron
• antiphon
• autobahn
• carillon
• castellan
• celadon
• cephalon
• chitosan
• cynodon
• denouement
• deuteron
• echelon

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