hanger

noun

hang·​er ˈhaŋ-ər How to pronounce hanger (audio)
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
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.
The mission was the first to focus on the ship's hanger deck. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2025 Morgan alleged that Combs attacked her with a wooden hanger in 2018. Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 The New England Air Museum offers a vast variety of aircraft inside its hangers. Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2025 Behind the bed, a retractable wall revealed a generous dressing area with thoughtful storage: a wide bench for suitcases, deep drawers, hangers, and just enough extras: yoga mats, oversized beach towels, umbrellas, buckets, and spades. Alli Forde, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hanger

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hanger was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hanger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hanger. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

hanger

noun
hang·​er ˈhaŋ-ər How to pronounce hanger (audio)
1
: one that hangs
2
: a device by which something hangs
especially : a device for hanging a garment from a hook or rod

More from Merriam-Webster on hanger

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!