hang out

To spend time relaxing with people or in a place.

• Let’s hang out after school.
• We hung out at her house all afternoon.
• Who do you usually hang out with?

How to use it: hang out with someone (I hang out with my friends after school.); hang out at/in somewhere (We often hang out at the local café.)

Similar words: spend time, socialize

Common phrases: hang out together, hang out with someone, hang out at home

To stick out from an opening, or put something outside so it hangs there.

• The dog’s tongue hangs out.
• He hung the washing out in the sun.
• A piece of cloth was hanging out of the suitcase.

How to use it: hang out of something (A loose wire hangs out of the box.); hang something out (She hung the towels out to dry.)

Similar words: stick out, protrude

Common phrases: hang out washing, hang out of something

To live or stay in a particular place.

• He hangs out above the bakery.
• They hung out in a cheap boarding house for several months.
• Where do you hang out these days?

How to use it: hang out at/in somewhere (He hangs out in a rented room above the shop.)

Similar words: live, reside, lodge

Common phrases: hang out somewhere, hang out upstairs

To want something very much, especially something you have been waiting for.

• I’m hanging out for a coffee.
• She was hanging out for a cigarette after the flight.
• Are you hanging out for something to eat?

How to use it: hang out for something (After the long walk, I was hanging out for a cold drink.)

Similar words: crave, long for

Common phrases: hang out for something, hang out for coffee

To continue despite difficulty, or wait before doing something.

• We can hang out another day.
• The soldiers hung out until help arrived.
• Can you hang out a little longer before making your decision?

How to use it: hang out until… (They hoped to hang out until supplies arrived.)

Similar words: hold out, endure, wait

Opposites: give in

Common phrases: hang out longer, hang out until help