THE WORDCRAFT DEFINITION DICTIONARY
hanger-on
noun
Someone who stays near a person or group mainly to obtain personal benefit.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
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Examples in context
The fictional celebrity could rarely distinguish a genuine friend from a hanger-on.
Another visitor acted as a hanger-on, staying beside the best-connected members mainly to receive invitations to private events.
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Related meanings
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Source study sections: 7.
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