hanger-on

[ hang-er-on, -awn ]

noun

, plural hang·ers-on.

1. a person who remains in a place or joins a group, another person, etc., especially in the hope or expectation of personal gain, even though their presence may be neither wanted nor needed.

   Synonyms: follower, sycophant, parasite, toady

hanger-on

noun

1. a sycophantic follower or dependant, esp one hoping for personal gain

Word History and Origins

Origin of hanger-on¹

1540–50; noun use of verb phrase hang on; -er ¹

Example Sentences

And for a person who is surrounded by hangers-on, he also seems very alone.

From Salon

She also had to get used to the idea of who Lydia had become: a widowed mother with a surly unfun daughter who doesn’t believe in ghosts, dating a suspiciously doting hanger-on.

From Los Angeles Times

A hit movie producer, he’s hosting a party full of Hollywood swells and hangers-on.

From Los Angeles Times

Most people have a network of family and friends to rely on, but the people around Trump are mostly leeches and hangers-on, not folks who genuinely have compassion for him.

From Salon

One minute, he's dining with a wealthy relative who's secretly contributing to Lost Cause hangers-on.

From Salon