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.
In a government that is already owned and operated by far-right cranks and hangers-on, Bongino can only do so much damage on his own. Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025 Hackett, his bungalow neighbor Faye Greener (Karen Black), her vaudevillian has-been father (Burgess Meredith), assorted whores, hangers-on, venal studio executives, and a WASPy lunk — auspiciously named Homer Simpson (Donald Sutherland) — suckered by Hollywood’s erotic promise. Armond White, National Review, 31 Jan. 2025 Matthew becomes Oliver’s bro, his hanger-on, his social-media camera buddy. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025 Matthew is a classic hanger-on, whose own identity is mutable, molding himself to whoever is around him and shining their light on him. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 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 13 Mar. 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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