hung

word · lemma: hang

/ˈhəŋ/
huhng
/hˈʌŋ/
huhng

Definition

Past tense and past participle of 'hang' in most common uses, meaning attached from above so that something is suspended. It can also refer to execution by rope, especially in historical or legal contexts.

Usage & Nuances

For objects and pictures, the usual past form is 'hung' ('She hung the coat', 'The picture was hung on the wall'). For execution, both 'hanged' and 'hung' appear, but 'hanged' is traditionally preferred when talking about a person executed by rope. Also note informal expressions like 'hung up' and 'hung out' use this same form.

Example Sentences

The picture was hung on the wall above the sofa.

basic

She hung her coat by the door.

basic

Wet clothes hung outside in the sun.

basic

There was an awkward silence that hung in the room for a few seconds.

natural

A heavy smell of smoke hung in the air after the fire.

natural

He looked at the old family photo that hung over the fireplace.

natural