hang about

verb

Definition of hang aboutnext
British
1
as in to veg out
to spend time doing nothing a tea house near campus where many university students could be seen hanging about

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to play
to spend time in aimless activity we'll be hanging about at the pub if you need us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hang about The student was found hanging about 50 feet up in a tree with the open chute, Metro Nashville Police Department said on X Saturday. — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025 Though the sisters are supposedly first-generation Italian American, no whiff of the old country hangs about Kay; Dorothy will at least spit out a few words in Italian. — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026 The plush beds have new headboards, tapestries by local artist Elena Carozzi now hang about the beds, bespoke wardrobes and minibars were created in dark wood and straw, and the bathrooms have been redone in green Cipollino marble. — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 2026 Despite Dickens’ canonical reputation, the author of door-stoppers such as Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickeleby, the stench of the entrepreneurial still hangs about him. — Literary Hub, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for hang about
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hang about
  1. veg out
  2. play
  3. kick back
  4. fool around
  5. lounge
  6. mess around
  7. bum
  8. rest
Verb
  • Just take care of your[self], and veg out.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026
  • This set is damn near professional-wear, with a blazer-style top and contrast piping for those who like to veg out with dignity.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Dec. 2025
Definition of veg out
Verb
  • He was evaluated by the medical staff, hit in the cage and decided to play.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
  • Some Wordlers also play Competitive Wordle against friends, family, the Wordle Bot or even against me, your humble narrator.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of play
Verb
  • But instead of kicking back, Nadal’s been busy building a hotel empire.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 7 July 2026
  • School’s out and your kids are likely ready to kick back, relax, and enjoy time with friends.
    — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 7 July 2026
Definition of kick back
Verb
  • Another horny couple on vacation couldn’t wait until their flight landed to fool around and insisted on doing so in the plane's cabin.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Zeus did not approve of his daughter fooling around with this mortal roughneck hunter and put out a hit on Orion.
    — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
Definition of fool around
Verb
  • Featuring adjustable spaghetti straps, two handy pockets, and a pretty floral print, this romper makes an easy and comfortable outfit for beach days, running errands, or just lounging at home.
    — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • On July 2, Hudson, 47, shared a photo of herself on Instagram lounging by the pool with her 7-year-old daughter Rani Rose Hudson Fujikawa in matching summer outfits during a family vacation in Athens, Greece.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 2 July 2026
Definition of lounge
Verb
  • Since adults emerge only to reproduce, these insects don't have time to mess around.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 June 2026
  • Kylian liked messing around, having a laugh and telling jokes — just like the rest of us.
    — Tom Williams, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Definition of mess around
Verb
  • Great, for once the Leafs won’t bum me out!
    — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 26 June 2026
  • Some were drawn first to the language and its interna ideo, only to later realize the travel benefits involved; others had learned the language specifically to bum around.
    — Katie Thornton, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026
Definition of bum
Verb
  • Allow the ribs to rest at room temperature while preparing the smoker.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Norway, which rested starter and fan-favorite Erling Haaland for its group play finale against France on Friday, June 26, is looking to reach the Round of 16 for the first time since 1998.
    — Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Definition of rest

Browse Nearby Words

hang
hang about
hangar
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Cite this Entry

“Hang about.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hang%20about. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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