verb / noun

dangle

DANG-gul/ˈdæŋɡl/

To hang loosely from a support.

A small brass key dangles from a cord tied to the branch.

A small brass key dangles freely from a loose cord tied to the tip of a short bare branch, with open space beneath and around it.

Etymology

Dangle probably comes from Scandinavian, with parallels meaning “swing about,” but its precise source is uncertain. Its earliest recorded meaning already describes hanging loosely enough to sway in the wind.

In context

Practical Engineering8:46

a suspension bridge uses cables or chains to dangle the deck below.

Every Kind of Bridge Explained in 15 Minutes

More examples

She dangles her feet over the edge of the dock.
A silver dangle hangs from her bracelet.
The company dangles a bonus to attract new drivers.

Forms

dangle · dangles · dangled · dangling

Similar words

hang: Describes suspension generally, without necessarily suggesting looseness or movement.
swing: Emphasizes back-and-forth movement rather than simply hanging loosely.