hinge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral (used in both everyday and technical contexts)
Quick answer
What does “hinge” mean?
A movable joint or mechanism on which a door, gate, or lid turns or swings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A movable joint or mechanism on which a door, gate, or lid turns or swings.
A central point or principle on which something depends, turns, or is contingent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Both use 'hinge' as noun and verb. The term 'butt hinge' is common in both, but specific technical types (e.g., 'piano hinge') are universal.
Connotations
Neutral in both. The metaphorical use is equally common.
Frequency
Similar frequency in corpora. Slightly higher in American technical/DIY contexts due to marketing.
Grammar
How to Use “hinge” in a Sentence
N hinge on NN hinge upon N/V-ingIt hinges on whether...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hinge” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The success of the venture hinges on securing adequate funding.
- Everything hinged upon her final decision.
American English
- The case hinges on the testimony of one witness.
- Our travel plans hinge on getting time off work.
adjective
British English
- The hinge mechanism was faulty.
- We need hinge brackets for the new gate.
American English
- Check the hinge placement before screwing it in.
- It's a hinge-top box for easy access.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The deal hinges on regulatory approval.'
Academic
Used in logic, philosophy, and engineering: 'The theorem hinges on this initial assumption.'
Everyday
Physical object: 'The door hinge needs oiling.' Metaphorical: 'Our plans hinge on the weather.'
Technical
Specific types in engineering/construction: 'concealed hinge', 'continuous hinge', 'butt hinge'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hinge”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hinge”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hinge”
- Using 'depend' without the pivotal connotation where 'hinge' is better. Incorrect preposition: 'hinge of' (correct: hinge on/upon).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its primary meaning is a physical joint for doors, lids, or gates, it is very commonly used metaphorically to mean a central, pivotal point something depends on.
The verb 'hinge' is almost always followed by 'on' or 'upon' (with 'on' being more common in modern English).
Yes, but attributively (before a noun) to describe something related to or acting as a hinge, e.g., 'hinge point', 'hinge bracket'. There is no predicative adjective form (you cannot say 'The door is hinge').
It's an informal idiom meaning crazy, out of control, or extremely excited, e.g., 'hinge joint', 'hinge bracket'.
Informally, 'off the hinges' means crazy, out of control, or wildly exciting (e.g., 'The party was off the hinges!'). This is distinct from the literal 'off its hinges', meaning physically detached.
A movable joint or mechanism on which a door, gate, or lid turns or swings.
Hinge is usually neutral (used in both everyday and technical contexts) in register.
Hinge: in British English it is pronounced /hɪndʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɪndʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hinge of the argument”
- “off the hinges (informal, meaning crazy/distraught)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HINGE as the thing that lets a door SWING. Both words have 'ING' and are connected to movement.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE/ DEPENDENCY IS A PHYSICAL SUPPORT (A pivotal point that holds everything together).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'hinge' used metaphorically?