hanger

noun

hang·​er ˈhaŋ-ər 

1

: one that hangs or causes to be hung or hanged

2

: something that hangs, overhangs, or is suspended: such as

a

: a decorative strip of cloth

b

: a small sword formerly used by sailors

c

chiefly British : a small wood on steeply sloping land

3

: a device by which or to which something is hung or hangs: such as

a

: a strap on a sword belt by which a sword or dagger can be suspended

b

: a loop by which a garment is hung up

c

: a device that fits inside or around a garment for hanging from a hook or rod

Examples of hanger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His Frisco address has a vehicle out front, but no one is answering the door, and a utility door hanger hugs his doorknob. —Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

Stephen Adly Guirgis, a New York playwright who specializes in urban pressure-cooker dramas, has a gift for writing subway strap-hanger harangues. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026

In addition to two helipads, the yacht also has a helicopter hanger that converts into a squash court, as well as a 25-meter long swimming pool. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026

The feeding ports keep out buzzing bees, while the ant moat hanger will keep away pesky ants, so the nectar is saved just for the hummingbirds. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hanger

• cliff-hanger
• clothes hanger
• coat hanger
• hanger-on
• hanger steak

Rhymes for hanger

• ganger
• hangar

Video

Is It 'Hanger' or 'Hangar'?

How to remember which is which

Kids Definition

hanger

noun

hang·​er ˈhaŋ-ər 

1

: one that hangs

2

: a device by which something hangs

especially : a device for hanging a garment from a hook or rod