dangle

American  

[dang-guhl] / ˈdæŋ gəl /

verb (used without object)

dangled, dangling

1. to hang loosely, especially with a jerking or swaying motion.

   The rope dangled in the breeze.

   Synonyms:

   flap, sway, swing

2. to hang around or follow a person, as if seeking favor or attention.

3. 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.

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verb (used with object)

dangled, dangling

1. to cause to dangle; hold or carry swaying loosely.

2. to offer as an inducement.

noun

1. the act of dangling.

2. something that dangles.

idioms

1. keep someone dangling, to keep someone in a state of uncertainty.

dangle British  

/ ˈdæŋɡəl /

verb

1. to hang or cause to hang freely

   his legs dangled over the wall

2. (tr) to display as an enticement

   the hope of a legacy was dangled before her

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noun

1. the act of dangling or something that dangles

Other Word Forms

• dangler noun
• danglingly adverb

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!"

Example Sentences

Edgar Calel’s dimly lighted installation, in which stones and plant matter dangle over vessels that hold flickering, electronic flames, transports us to a contemplative gnostic ritual.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

This may have been the most overt art-as-protest moment, showing dancers climbing sparking electrical poles, only to fall off and dangle by what looked like snipped wires.

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2026

Voters seem content to let the young talent dangle, trusting that he’ll continue flogging himself to make more great pictures like this.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

They dangle enticing offers: free phone consultations, free information booklets, free sign-ups for free resources.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 28, 2025

Rehearsal ends, but Abby and I dangle our feet off the edge of one of the platforms, watching Ms. Albright and Cal make notes in the big blue binder.

From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli

Related Words

• droop
• flap
• hang
• sling
• sway
• swing