hanging

[ hang-ing ]

noun

1. the act, an instance, or the form of capital punishment carried out by suspending one by the neck from a gallows, gibbet, or the like, until dead.
2. Often hangings. something that hangs or is hung on the walls of a room, as a drapery or tapestry.
3. a suspending or temporary attaching, as of a painting:

   a careless hanging of pictures.

adjective

1. punishable by, deserving, or causing death by hanging:

   a hanging crime; a hanging offense.

2. inclined to inflict death by hanging:

   a hanging jury.

3. suspended; pendent; overhanging:

   a hanging cliff.

4. situated on a steep slope or at a height:

   a hanging garden.

5. directed downward:

   a hanging look.

6. made, holding, or suitable for a hanging object.

hanging

/ ˈhæŋɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. the putting of a person to death by suspending the body by the neck from a noose
   2. ( as modifier )

      a hanging offence

2. often plural a decorative textile such as a tapestry or drapery hung on a wall or over a window
3. the act of a person or thing that hangs

adjective

1. not supported from below; suspended
2. undecided; still under discussion
3. inclining or projecting downwards; overhanging
4. situated on a steep slope or in a high place
5. prenominal given to issuing harsh sentences, esp death sentences

   a hanging judge

6. informal.
   unpleasant
7. chess See hanging pawn

Other Words From

• hanging·ly adverb
• un·hanging adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hanging¹

1250–1300; Middle English (noun, adj.), Old English hangande (adj.) See hang, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

“I just remember hanging up and thinking, ‘Huh, well, I hope we even get a shot at this kid.

From Los Angeles Times

I was hanging out with my friend Patrick, comparing notes on our dating lives.

From Los Angeles Times

A spectacular, 26-foot-wide Flemish “Tapestry of the Astrolabes,” hanging for centuries in a cathedral in Toledo, Spain, gives an indication.

From Los Angeles Times

It will be decorated with energy-efficient lightbulbs, hanging vertically in traditional Norwegian fashion.

From BBC

I love the fact also that Barbara Howard is hanging in there.

From Salon