Phrasal Verb – Hang out.
To spend free time with someone, or somewhere, without doing anything special. It can also mean spending time with certain people regularly: “She’s been hanging out with Jack a lot lately.”
Hang out is a phrasal verb, and it is not separable – you hang out with someone or at a place. The noun hangout (one word) means a place where people like to spend time: “That café is our favourite hangout.”
This phrasal verb also has a literal meaning. You can hang your washing out, which means to hang it outside to dry.
If you can’t hang out with someone, you might have to take a rain check (idiom) – a polite way to decline an invitation while suggesting you’ll accept another time.
Example:
- “What are you doing tonight? Do you fancy hanging out with us at the park?”
Learn More
Look it upHang outWiktionaryWhat is a phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb is a verb combined with 1 or 2 small words. These small words are particles. A particle can be a preposition or adverb. The phrasal verb has a different meaning from the verb alone because the particle changes the meaning of the verb.
Frequently Asked Questions
To spend relaxed free time with someone or somewhere, without doing anything in particular.
“Hang out” (two words) is the verb. “Hangout” (one word) is a noun meaning a place where people often spend time.
Test Yourself
What is FunkyEnglish?
FunkyEnglish is a website that helps you improve your English. We offer quick lessons that teach idioms, slang, phrasal verbs and more. Visit our homepage to see our latest articles, or use the menu to find specific content!




