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Definitions

hanger-on

[hang-er-on, -awn] / ˈhæŋ ərˈɒn, -ˈɔn /
NOUN
person who attends the powerful for status or benefit
Synonyms
STRONG
dependent flunky follower freeloader lackey leech parasite sponger sycophant truckler

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.

Gala was the free-spirit hanger-on in the city’s club scene, falling for a rock singer and happily dishing about her Southern California misadventures.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 1, 2025

In “The Bear,” Matty Matheson, the Canadian chef and restaurateur, plays the hanger-on and handyman Neil, his first scripted role.

From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2023

Moussaoui “was trying to write a role for himself into history,” Mr. MacMahon said, “when the truth is, he was an al-Qaeda hanger-on and a nuisance to everybody.”

From Washington Post • Mar. 29, 2023

Jamie saw himself as the fresh young star and Roy as the aging, hanger-on standing in his way.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2023

She was with that whole Zach Powers crew, and not as a hanger-on either.

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman