The word "hanger" is spelled with two distinct sounds represented by the letters "a" and "e." The "a" is pronounced as the schwa sound /ə/, like in the word "about," while the "e" is pronounced as the /eɪ/ diphthong, like in the word "say." Together, these sounds create the phonetic spelling /ˈhæŋər/ for "hanger." It's important to pay attention to the spelling of words like "hanger," which can be easily confused with similar words like "hangar," which has a different definition and pronunciation.
A hanger is a noun that refers to an object typically used for hanging or suspending clothes, coats, or other garments. It specifically denotes a device designed to support and hold clothing items in a way that preserves their shape and helps keep them wrinkle-free. Hangers are typically made of wood, plastic, or metal, often featuring a hook at the top for easy hanging on a rod or rail. They commonly have a curved or contoured shape to mimic the shoulders of a person, allowing clothes to hang naturally and maintain their form. Hangers may also provide additional features such as notches or clips to securely hold items like skirts, trousers, or scarves.
The term "hanger" can also refer to a wide range of other hanging devices or structures, such as wall hooks, mounting brackets, or racks used for storing or displaying various objects. For instance, a coat hanger refers to a specific type of hanger designed specifically for holding coats, while a plant hanger denotes a device used for suspending potted plants from a ceiling or wall. In a broader sense, hanger can also describe a person who hangs something or someone, or can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is overly persistent or unwilling to let go.
That on which anything is hung; a short broadsword.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "hanger" originated from the Old English word "hangian", which means "to hang". This term eventually evolved into "hengest" in Middle English, referring to a wooden frame or support on which clothes or other items could be hung. Over time, "hengest" transformed into "hangar" in Old French, then "hanger" in modern French. In English, "hanger" eventually became the commonly used term for a device used to hang clothes or other objects.