hinge

1 of 2

noun

ˈhinj 

1

a

: a jointed or flexible device on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns

b

: a flexible ligamentous joint

c

: a small piece of thin gummed paper used in fastening a postage stamp in an album

2

: a determining factor : turning point

Illustration of hinge

• hinge 1a

hinge

2 of 2

verb

hinged; hinging

intransitive verb

1

: to swing on or as if on a hinge

These thoughtful amenities include … an outdoor patio TV that hinges outward toward the pool …

—Paul Takahashi

… we pulled within feet of a 12-foot crocodile, his huge jaw hinging open in warning to reveal a toothy grin.

—Andrea Bartz

2

: to be contingent on a single consideration or point

—used with on or upon

the prosecution's case hinges on the DNA evidence

transitive verb

: to attach by or furnish with hinges

Synonyms

Verb

• depend
• hang
• ride
• turn

Examples of hinge in a Sentence

Verb

the outcome of the game hinged on a single play

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This is the foldable iPhone, and some more details on the manufacturing of the all-important hinge have been revealed this week. —Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Boehm’s two big innovations were the floating hinge that allowed the grill to open wide like a python to accommodate all kinds of different cuts of meat. —John Devore, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2025

Verb

In many ways, the relationship between employer and employee is one that hinges upon balance, too. —Jordan Rackie, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

But the success or otherwise of next season and beyond will hinge mainly on player recruitment, where another huge summer awaits. —Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English heng; akin to Middle Dutch henge hook, Old English hangian to hang

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1719, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing hinge

• butt hinge
• hinge joint
• hinge on
• piano hinge

Rhymes for hinge

• binge
• cringe
• fringe
• singe
• tinge
• twinge
• impinge
• infringe
• syringe

Kids Definition

hinge

1 of 2 noun

ˈhinj 

1

: a jointed piece on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns

2

: the joint between valves of a bivalve's shell

hinge

2 of 2 verb

hinged; hinging

1

: to attach by or provide with hinges

2

: to hang or turn as if on a hinge : depend

our success hinges on this decision