# cliffhanger

/ˈkɫɪfˌhæŋɝ/ (US) · /klˈɪfhæŋɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cliffhanger
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. story ending

noun · CEFR B2

an ending to an episode or book that leaves the main characters in a dangerous or difficult situation.

For teachers: a plot device in fiction which features a main character in a precarious or difficult dilemma, or confronted with a shocking revelation at the end of an episode.

- The season finale ended on a huge cliffhanger, and now we have to wait months for the next episode.
- The screenwriter masterfully employed a cliffhanger at the end of the second act, ensuring the audience would return after the commercial break.

### 2. tense situation

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a real-life situation where the result is not known until the very last moment.

For teachers: a situation, such as a contest or election, whose outcome is uncertain and remains in suspense until the final moments.

- The election was a real cliffhanger, with the final votes being counted late into the night.
- The championship match turned into a total cliffhanger as both teams remained tied until the final seconds of overtime.

## Examples

- The movie ends on a classic cliffhanger.
- The author used a cliffhanger at the end of the first book to ensure readers would buy the sequel.
- While some critics argue that the cliffhanger is a lazy way to maintain viewership, others see it as a masterful technique for building suspense and emotional investment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.