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hang out

A2 informal mixed both
In simple words

To spend free time with friends in a casual way, or to put something outside to dry or display.

Literal meaning: To hang something out (in the open air); or to be 'out' (outdoors or available) hanging around.

Meanings

1 A2 idiomatic informal

To spend relaxed, casual time with friends without a formal plan.

"We usually hang out at Mia's place on Saturday evenings."

""We used to hang out and talk about music for hours.""

— Bruce Springsteen, interview (general attribution)
2 A2 neutral

To put washing or other items outside so they hang in the open air.

"She hung the wet towels out on the line before the weather changed."

Grammar: separable
3 A2 idiomatic informal

To spend time in or frequent a particular place habitually.

"Artists and writers used to hang out at the café on the corner."

Usage notes

Extremely common in casual speech. The social sense ('hang out with friends') is especially frequent among younger speakers. The literal sense ('hang out the washing') is also common in British English. The noun form 'hangout' (one word) refers to a favourite place to spend time.

Commonly used with

with friends at home washing laundry flag weekend

Forms

Base
hang out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hangs out
he/she/it
Past simple
hung out
yesterday
Past participle
hung out
have + pp
-ing form
hanging out
continuous

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Synonyms

socialise spend time chill out relax meet up gather

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