hanger

noun

hang·​er ˈhaŋ-ər How to pronounce hanger (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These decorations also adorn the top shelves in the store, out of visitors' reach, while tee shirts, scarves and jerseys branded with the different Hogwarts factions fill the hangers below. — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Swapping out your hangers also gives you an opportunity to reevaluate your items, and figure out what’s worth wearing, donating, or tossing. — Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026 The tells are no hangers in the closet, balled-up socks shoved into a corner, and a suit thrown over a floating shelf. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 28 July 2026 This jacket looked extremely luxe on the hanger but even better on my body. — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hanger

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hanger was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing hanger

Rhymes for hanger

See All Rhymes for hanger

Browse Nearby Words

hange
hanger
hanger bolt
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Cite this Entry

“Hanger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hanger. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hanger

noun
hang·​er ˈhaŋ-ər How to pronounce hanger (audio)
1
: one that hangs
2
: a device by which something hangs
especially : a device for hanging a garment from a hook or rod

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