dangle
Americanverb (used without object)
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to hang loosely, especially with a jerking or swaying motion.
The rope dangled in the breeze.
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to hang around or follow a person, as if seeking favor or attention.
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Grammar. to occur as a modifier without a head or as a participle without an implied subject, as leaving the tunnel in The daylight was blinding, leaving the tunnel.
verb (used with object)
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to cause to dangle; hold or carry swaying loosely.
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to offer as an inducement.
noun
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the act of dangling.
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something that dangles.
idioms
verb
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to hang or cause to hang freely
his legs dangled over the wall
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(tr) to display as an enticement
the hope of a legacy was dangled before her
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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danglesimple
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danglessimple
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have dangledperfect
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has dangledperfect
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am danglingprogressive
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are danglingprogressive
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is danglingprogressive
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have been danglingperfect progressive
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has been danglingperfect progressive
Past
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dangledsimple
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had dangledperfect
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was danglingprogressive
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were danglingprogressive
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had been danglingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of dangle
1580–90; expressive word akin to Norwegian, Swedish dangla, Danish dangle dangle
Explanation
Dangle means to hang or swing loosely. If you dangle string above a kitten you will both be entertained. The verb dangle probably comes from a late 16th century Danish or Swedish word meaning “loose or pendulous,” though we don’t know for sure. You may have a taste for big, showy earrings that dangle. Or, you might even dangle a possibility — "If you were to dangle the prospect of dessert to a child, then you better follow through!"
Vocabulary lists containing dangle
Keystone Exams: English Composition Glossary
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"Lob's Girl" by Joan Aiken
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The Circuit
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Talley’s suncatchers dangle in the air and catch the light, an homage to algae’s most impactful contribution: producing over half of the world’s oxygen, which they do using energy from the sun.
From Slate • Jun. 27, 2026
Sticky, translucent strings dangle from Wesley Smith's chopsticks as the American tourist relishes his natto, the loved-and-hated Japanese fermented soybean superfood going global one slimy mouthful at a time.
From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026
When Lampard and the club's hierarchy meet in the coming days, it makes sense that Coventry will dangle the carrot of a new contract as a show of commitment.
From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026
Tiny chairs dangle on Christmas trees beside ersatz Heinz pickles.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026
“It stinks that Heather couldn’t come,” I say as I dangle a fuzzy bunny in front of the baby.
From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
