# dangling

/ˈdæŋɡəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /dˈæŋɡəlɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dangling
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

hanging or swinging loosely from something. You use this to describe things that are not fixed in place and move freely in the air.

For teachers: hanging or swinging loosely, often without support from below. Frequently used as a participial adjective in both attributive and predicative positions.

## Examples

- The child sat on the wall with dangling legs.
- A few dangling wires hung from the ceiling after the storm damaged the light fixture.
- The climber remained focused on the rock face, ignoring the dangling rope that swayed rhythmically in the wind several hundred feet above the valley floor.

## Usage notes

- Often used to describe limbs, jewelry, or electrical components that hang without support.

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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.