Illustration of hinge
- hinge 1a
1
a
: a jointed or flexible device on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns
b
: a flexible ligamentous joint
c
: a small piece of thin gummed paper used in fastening a postage stamp in an album
2
: a determining factor : turning point
hinged; hinging
1
: to swing on or as if on a hinge
These thoughtful amenities include … an outdoor patio TV that hinges outward toward the pool …—
Paul Takahashi
Paul Takahashi… we pulled within feet of a 12-foot crocodile, his huge jaw hinging open in warning to reveal a toothy grin.—Andrea Bartz
Andrea Bartz2
: to be contingent on a single consideration or point
—used with on or upon
the prosecution's case hinges on the DNA evidence
: to attach by or furnish with hinges
Examples of hinge in a Sentence
Verb
the outcome of the game hinged on a single play
Recent Examples on the Web
Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 28 May 2025
As air is pumped into that flexible elastic hinge, the structure expands, causing the stiffer main flap to fold out to one side.
—Ben Coxworth
may 23, New Atlas, 23 May 2025
Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 27 May 2025
In other words, the emotional quality of a relationship doesn’t hinge solely on the partnership itself, but, likely, from the companionship and camaraderie that it’s founded upon.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hinge
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Noun
Each element is connected by strong metal hinges that can be easily greased to keep movement seamless.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 28 May 2025
As air is pumped into that flexible elastic hinge, the structure expands, causing the stiffer main flap to fold out to one side.
—Ben Coxworth
may 23, New Atlas, 23 May 2025
Verb
Analysts noted that the stop-and-go nature of the president's tariff policies have been a key driver of market volatility in recent weeks, with stock movements hinging upon news of potential trade deals.
—Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 27 May 2025
In other words, the emotional quality of a relationship doesn’t hinge solely on the partnership itself, but, likely, from the companionship and camaraderie that it’s founded upon.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hinge
Cite this Entry
“Hinge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hinge. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hinge
1 of 2 noun1
: a jointed piece on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns
2
: the joint between valves of a bivalve's shell
hinge
2 of 2 verb
hinged; hinging
1
: to attach by or provide with hinges
2
: to hang or turn as if on a hinge : depend
our success hinges on this decision
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