hang on

verb

hung on; hanging on; hangs on

intransitive verb

1

: to keep hold : hold on to something

2

: to persist tenaciously

a cold that hung on all spring

3

: hold on sense 2

Phrases

hang on to

: to hold, grip, or keep tenaciously

Examples of hang on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here's where and why Still hanging on to your early ballot in Arizona? —Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 31 Oct. 2024

Speaker Joanna McClinton became the first woman to hold the office last year and is fighting to hang on to her one-seat majority in the 203-member chamber. —Cooper Burton, ABC News, 31 Oct. 2024

The list hangs on the Sells’ refrigerator to this day. —Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024

For the specific goal of hanging on to your fast-twitch fibers, there may also be a case for doing some heavy resistance training, with sets of six reps of fewer. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1719, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

hang on

verb

1

: to keep hold or possession especially tightly

hang on or you'll fall

hang on to your money

2

: to continue stubbornly

a cold that hung on all spring