# hinge

/ˈhɪndʒ/ (US) · /hˈɪndʒ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hinge
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a metal piece that connects two things, like a door and a wall, so that one of them can swing open and shut.

For teachers: a jointed device or flexible piece on which a door, gate, or lid turns or swings. Often used metaphorically to describe a central point on which an event or situation depends.

## Examples

- The door squeaks because the hinge is rusty.
- The carpenter carefully aligned the hinge to ensure the heavy oak door would swing smoothly without catching on the floor.
- The success of the entire diplomatic mission seemed to rest on a single hinge of policy regarding international trade tariffs.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the phrase 'hinge on' when functioning as a verb to indicate total dependency.

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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.