verb

hang out

hang OWT

Hang out (verb) means to spend time somewhere in a relaxed way, with no particular purpose, usually with other people. Example: “We hung out at the skate park until it got dark.”

verb

informal To spend time somewhere in a relaxed way, with no particular purpose, usually with other people.

"We hung out at the skate park until it got dark."

"Do you want to hang out on Saturday?"

informal To be a regular companion of someone, or to keep company with a particular group.

"He hangs out with the sound engineers more than the band."

To put washing outside on a line so that it dries.

"She hung the sheets out before the rain came in."

How to Use Hang out

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo spend easy, unplanned time with people.

When to use it

Informal but universal in spoken English.

Memory tip

Hang out with a person, hang out at a place.

Easily confused with

hangout (noun) hang around hang on

Common pairings

hang out with friends hang out at the mall just hanging out

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Can you complete this real example?

Do you want to _____ on Saturday?

Synonyms

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spend time socialise chill hang around associate with go around with keep company with

Related Words

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Rhymes for hang out

out tout bout gout lout pout rout about trout spout clout grout

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hang out and hangout?

Hang out is the verb: we hang out on Fridays. Hangout, written as one word, is the noun for the place: the cafe is their usual hangout.

What is the past tense of hang out?

Hung out. We hung out all afternoon. The form hanged is only used for execution, never for this phrasal verb.

Does hanging out mean a date?

Not by itself. Hanging out is deliberately vague and casual, which is exactly why people use it when they do not want to call something a date. Context and tone decide.

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