Illustration of hinge
- hinge 1a
1
a
: a jointed or flexible device on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns
b
: a flexible ligamentous joint
c
: a small piece of thin gummed paper used in fastening a postage stamp in an album
2
: a determining factor : turning point
hinged; hinging
1
: to swing on or as if on a hinge
These thoughtful amenities include … an outdoor patio TV that hinges outward toward the pool …—
Paul Takahashi
Paul Takahashi… we pulled within feet of a 12-foot crocodile, his huge jaw hinging open in warning to reveal a toothy grin.—Andrea Bartz
Andrea Bartz2
: to be contingent on a single consideration or point
—used with on or upon
the prosecution's case hinges on the DNA evidence
: to attach by or furnish with hinges
Synonyms
Examples of hinge in a Sentence
Verb
the outcome of the game hinged on a single play
Recent Examples on the Web
Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 19 Nov. 2024
The front hinge ensures that the top doesn't smack into the table when opened.
—New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2024
Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
The artwork’s success hinges entirely on how it’s received: the gasps, the laughs, the debates.
—Natalie Stoclet, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hinge 
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Noun
The hinges of Derek’s original jaw were connected to the donor’s jawbones so Derek can now open and close his new mouth.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 19 Nov. 2024
The front hinge ensures that the top doesn't smack into the table when opened.
—New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2024
Verb
But Trump's immigration plan hinges entirely on enforcement and removal, including mass deportation, underpinned by Miller's firm belief that immigration is something to be stopped, not managed.
—Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
The artwork’s success hinges entirely on how it’s received: the gasps, the laughs, the debates.
—Natalie Stoclet, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hinge
Dictionary Entries Near hinge
Cite this Entry
“Hinge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hinge. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hinge
1 of 2 noun1
: a jointed piece on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns
2
: the joint between valves of a bivalve's shell
hinge
2 of 2 verb
hinged; hinging
1
: to attach by or provide with hinges
2
: to hang or turn as if on a hinge : depend
our success hinges on this decision
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