hangout
Americannoun
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a place where people gather for casual socializing or recreation.
The pub is an ultracasual hangout, mostly frequented by undergraduates from the local university.
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a place that a person frequently visits, especially for socializing or recreation.
The record store was one of my favorite neighborhood hangouts when I was a kid.
verb phrase
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to lean or be suspended through an opening.
If you hang out the window that far, you're likely to fall right out!
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to suspend in open view; display.
Her family hangs out the flag every day, not just on holidays.
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Informal. to frequent a particular place, especially in one's free time.
We’ve all got friends who would rather hang out at a bookstore with a glass of wine than go clubbing.
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Informal. to linger or loiter somewhere.
We’ve got nothing better to do, so we’ll probably just hang out.
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Informal. to spend time with someone.
I’d love the chance to hang out with some like-minded folks.
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Informal. to wait, especially briefly.
Hang out a minute while I get my backpack.
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Slang. to calm down.
Hang out, Mom, I'm OK.
Etymology
Origin of hangout
An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; noun use of verb phrase hang out
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.
How did a venue once considered a "dropout's hangout" become snooker's ultimate stage?
From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026
But I find that I miss, unexpectedly, the culture of the potluck hangout: the casual gathering built around the modest premise that everyone brings something and the group shares.
From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026
The bands play for sprawling crowds in between lots of playful hangout time.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2026
Mostly, they were excited about Zohran and amused that reporters had descended on their hangout like birdwatchers.
From Slate • Nov. 5, 2025
After school, Frank and Jud went in together and bought the Farmer’s Inn, which has become the preferred Hampden hangout.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
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.
