straphanger

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.

But Mr. Williams understands that telling the story properly requires acknowledging the forgotten citizen of New York City in the 1980s—the wary pedestrian and the terrified straphanger.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

It may have looked ridiculous to other drivers, like I was imitating a subway straphanger — aping public transportation in the most private transportation there is — but I didn’t care.

From Washington Post • Oct. 30, 2022

The straphanger turned the pic in to police, who then used it to identify the alleged transit troublemaker a week later.

From Fox News • May 25, 2019

If you’re a straphanger heading to work, and you aren’t breaking the rules by breaking into the driver’s seat, you aren’t likely to get bed bugs in that particular scenario.

From Slate • May 6, 2015

And to more and more of England's young womanhood one might apply the plaintive remark of the straphanger to the other occupants of the crowded 'bus: "Ain't none o' you got no 'omes?"

From The Disturbing Charm by Ruck, Berta