What does hangout mean?
Hangout is an informal word for spending time with other people or relaxing in a particular place. As a verb, “to hang out” means to remain somewhere with friends, family, or acquaintances, usually without a fixed plan or shared activity. It can also mean to pass time in a location, as in “We hung out at the library all afternoon.” As a noun, a “hangout” is a casual gathering or a place where people regularly meet, such as a café, park, or community space. The expression is especially associated with everyday social life and is much more conversational than formal alternatives such as “socialize.” Although “hang out” is used in British and American English, it is particularly prominent in American usage and youth culture. Its relaxed connotation makes it useful for describing both friendly companionship and the absence of a specific purpose.
To spend time informally with people or in a place, usually without a specific purpose or fixed plan.
"After class, we hung out with some friends at the park."
Informal; “hanged out” is occasionally used, but “hung out” is standard and more common.
An informal gathering where people spend time together, or a place where people regularly meet or relax.
"The old theater has become a favorite hangout for local musicians."
Informal; often refers to a casual social venue or gathering.
The regular plural of the noun is “hangouts.”
"The neighborhood has several hangouts where students like to study."
A hangout is where people go to be together; to hang out is simply to spend time there—or almost anywhere.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hangout come from?
Hangout is a compound of the old English verb “hang” and the ordinary English word “out.” The expression developed during the 19th century in the sense of remaining about or loitering, before becoming strongly associated with informal social activity in the 20th century. The element “hang” is an old Germanic word attested in Old English, with cognates in Dutch “hangen” and German “hängen,” while “out” is native English. Together, the words evoke remaining outside or lingering in a place.
Related word forms
How hangout is actually used
The word is informal and especially common in speech and informal writing. It often suggests relaxed, unstructured time rather than an activity with a formal purpose. The noun is also informal and is frequently used for a casual social venue.
Easily confused with hangout
A hangout is a social place or gathering, whereas a hangar is a large building where aircraft are kept.
A hangout is a place or activity where people spend time, whereas a hangover is the unpleasant feeling that can follow drinking too much alcohol.