Hangar vs Hanger: What’s the Real Difference?

Published: 13 Jan 2025

The words hangar and hanger are homophones, meaning they sound the same but have different spellings and meanings. This often leads to confusion, but understanding their distinct uses can make things much simpler. In the debate of hangar vs hanger, a hanger is a tool for hanging clothes, while a hangar is a structure built to store airplanes.

Think of it this way: even though they’re pronounced the same, their functions couldn’t be more different—one helps organize your wardrobe and the other shelters aircraft!

This article explores the hangar and hanger meanings, their differences, and tips to use them correctly.

Table of Content

What Is a Hanger?
1. Examples of Hangers in Use
What Is a Hangar?
1. Examples of Hangars in Use
Hangar and Hanger Difference
Hangers or Hangars: Which One to Use?
Tips to Remember the Difference
Hangar vs Hanger Meaning and Pronunciation
Conclusion:
FAQs

What Is a Hanger?

A hanger is a simple tool used to hold and store clothing. Typically made of metal, plastic, or wood, hangers come in different shapes and sizes to suit various types of garments.

You’ll find them in wardrobes or closets, with a hook at the top to hang clothes neatly and keep them wrinkle-free.

Examples of Hangers in Use

After washing the clothes, she used hangers to dry the shirts.
The closet was tidy with bright plastic hangers.
He grabbed a strong hanger to hang his heavy coat.

The word hanger has been part of the English language since the 15th century, derived from the verb hang. Its meaning and use are straightforward, making it a familiar term in everyday life.

What Is a Hangar?

A hangar is a big, enclosed building designed to protect airplanes from bad weather and provide space for storage and repairs. You’ll typically find hangars at airports or military bases.

Most hangars are made of metal, but some are built with wood or concrete for extra durability. These structures play a vital role in keeping aircraft safe and well-maintained.

Examples of Hangars in Use

The airplane was kept in the hangar after the flight.
All the planes were safely stored in the hangar during the storm.
She repaired helicopters in the hangar as an engineer.

The word hangar entered the English language in the 19th century, borrowed from French. Originally, it referred to a shelter or shed, but with the rise of aviation, its meaning evolved to represent aircraft storage facilities.

Hangar and Hanger Difference

The hangar and hanger difference lies in their meanings and applications:

A hanger is a small item used for hanging clothes.
A hangar is a large building designed to store aircraft.

Although they sound identical, their contexts are entirely different. Knowing this distinction helps avoid confusion in both writing and conversation.

Hangers or Hangars: Which One to Use?

When deciding between hangers or hangars, consider the context:

Use hangers when discussing clothes, closets, or wardrobes.
Use hangars when referring to airplanes, aviation, or large storage buildings.

Tips to Remember the Difference

Associate Words with Their Functions: Hangers hold clothes; hangars house planes.
Use Mnemonics: Think of “hanger” for things that hang and “hangar” for airplanes that land.
Practice Spelling: Repeat the correct usage to reinforce the habit.

Hangar vs Hanger Meaning and Pronunciation

Word	Meaning	Example
Hanger	A device for hanging clothes.	She bought wooden hangers for her dresses.
Hangar	A large building for storing or repairing aircraft.	The plane was moved into the hangar for repairs.

Both words are pronounced similarly: /ˈhæŋər/. However, their uses are vastly different.

Conclusion:

Understanding the hangar vs hanger difference is essential for clear communication. A hangar refers to a building for aircraft storage, while a hanger is an item used for hanging clothes. Although they sound the same, their meanings and applications are distinct.

So next time you’re unsure whether to say hangers or hangars, remember: one is for shirts, and the other is for planes!

FAQs

What’s the Difference Between a Hangar and a Hanger?

It’s simple: use a hangar when talking about a building where airplanes are stored. Think of the two A’s in the hangar, just like the two A’s in the airplane!

For anything related to hanging clothes, just use hanger. It’s simple to remember—hanger helps with your wardrobe, not airplanes!

Is It “A Hanger” or “An Hanger”?

The correct phrase is “a hanger”. Since the word hanger starts with a consonant sound (the “h” is pronounced), “a” is the proper article to use.

A hanger is a shaped piece of wood, plastic, or metal with a hook at the top, used to hang clothes neatly.

What Do Americans Call a Hanger?

Americans use different terms based on the context:

Coat hanger: For hangers in entryway closets, used for jackets and coats.
Clothes hanger: Commonly used for hangers in stores or when referring to all types of hangers.
Hanger: The simplest term, often used for hangers in bedroom closets.
The choice of term often depends on where or how the hanger is used!

What Is a Hanger Called?

Its shape mimics human shoulders to keep garments wrinkle-free. Some hangers also have a lower bar, perfect for hanging trousers or skirts.

A hanger, also known as a clothes hanger, coat hanger, or coathanger, is a tool designed to hang clothing like coats, jackets, shirts, or dresses.

Are Hanger and Hangar Homophones?

Yes, hanger and hangar are homophones. This means they are pronounced the same way but have different spellings and meanings.

A hanger is a tool used to hang clothes in your closet.
A hangar is a large building where aircraft are stored and maintained.

Although they sound alike, their uses are completely different—one belongs in your closet, and the other at an airport!