hang-on

[ hang-on, -awn ]

noun

1. something easily attached to or mounted on another surface or object, as a turbocharger or transceiver in an automobile, a unit suspendable from shelving, or a portable soap dish.

adjective

1. pertaining to or denoting such an attachment:

   A clumsy hang-on unit supplied the air conditioning.

hang on

verb

1. adverb to continue or persist in an activity, esp with effort or difficulty

   hang on at your present job until you can get another

2. adverb to cling, grasp, or hold

   she hangs on to her mother's arm

3. preposition to be conditioned or contingent on; depend on

   everything hangs on this business deal

4. Alsohang ontohang upon preposition to listen attentively to

   she hung on his every word

5. informal.
   adverb to wait or remain

   hang on for a few minutes

Word History and Origins

Origin of hang-on¹

Noun, adj. use of verb phrase hang on

Example Sentences

Others looked parched but had a few avocados barely hanging on.

From Los Angeles Times

He knows that to hang on to his record, he’ll have to keep on breaking more records.

From NewsForKids.net

The reckoning that needed to happen by the media in its normalizing of this man will now be replaced by the effort to hang on for dear life as the retribution begins.

From Salon

How can I hang on to dreams in my work, and make peace with the reality in my life?

From Salon

“Defend citizen’s rights,” said opposition banners hanging on fences throughout the city.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cling
• go on
• grasp
• hold on
• hold out
• persevere
• persist