hinge

[ hinj ]

noun

1. a jointed device or flexible piece on which a door, gate, shutter, lid, or other attached part turns, swings, or moves.
2. a natural anatomical joint at which motion occurs around a transverse axis, as that of the knee or a bivalve shell.
3. that on which something is based or depends; pivotal consideration or factor.
4. Also called mount. Philately. a gummed sticker for affixing a stamp to a page of an album, so folded as to form a hinge, allowing the stamp to be raised to reveal the text beneath.

verb (used without object)

, hinged, hing·ing.

1. to be dependent or contingent on, or as if on, a hinge (usually followed by on or upon ):

   Everything hinges on his decision.

   Synonyms: depend, pivot, swing, rest

verb (used with object)

, hinged, hing·ing.

1. to furnish with or attach by a hinge or hinges.
2. to attach as if by a hinge.
3. to make or consider as dependent upon; predicate:

   He hinged his action on future sales.

hinge

/ hɪndʒ /

noun

1. a device for holding together two parts such that one can swing relative to the other, typically having two interlocking metal leaves held by a pin about which they pivot
2. anatomy a type of joint, such as the knee joint, that moves only backwards and forwards; a joint that functions in only one plane Technical nameginglymus
3. a similar structure in invertebrate animals, such as the joint between the two halves of a bivalve shell
4. something on which events, opinions, etc, turn
5. Also calledmount philately a small thin transparent strip of gummed paper for affixing a stamp to a page

verb

1. tr to attach or fit a hinge to (something)
2. intr; usually foll by on or upon to depend (on)
3. intr to hang or turn on or as if on a hinge

Derived Forms

• ˈhingeless, adjective
• hinged, adjective
• ˈhingeˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• hingeless adjective
• hingelike adjective
• re·hinge verb (used with object) rehinged rehinging
• well-hinged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hinge¹

1250–1300; Middle English henge; cognate with Low German heng ( e ), Middle Dutch henge hinge; akin to hang

Word History and Origins

Origin of hinge¹

C13: probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch henge; see hang

Example Sentences

As one of three publicly traded dating app companies, Grindr dominates the dating app market along with Bumble and Match Group, which owns Tinder and Hinge.

From Los Angeles Times

Alex Barron, 34, a dating and relationship coach based in Austin, told me she does appreciate the new updates from Hinge to encourage people to get on the date and not leave matches in the app to expire.

From Slate

But she noted that apps like Hinge, Tinder, and Bumble aren’t using their data on their users more insightfully—despite the fact that they know “your political beliefs, your religion, height requirements,” and more.

From Slate

It’s become clear that the Silver State could hinge on the ballots of independent voters.

From BBC

Many of these races hinge on post-COVID perceptions of violent crime, which was a big problem in 2021 and 2022 but has since receded, and disorder in the form of homelessness and drug use, which remains a daunting problem in many cities.

From Slate

Related Words

• depend
• revolve around