Meaning

(grammar, informal) A dangling modifier, especially a dangling participle..

Definitions by Sense

1. (grammar, informal) A dangling modifier, especially a dangling participle.
2. (slang) Any body part that dangles, such as the penis, testicles, uvula, and sometimes tongue.
3. A plotline that is metaphorically left to "dangle" or "hang"; in other words, the plotline is forgotten, phased out and eventually dropped, and thus a resolution is never achieved.
4. (informal) A large earring that hangs down far.
5. (now rare, archaic) One who dangles about (loiters around) others, especially a man chasing after women.

Example Sentences

Similarly, participles ending in “ing” often cause danglers in scientific writing: […]

"Why do I have to feed her? Why do I have to look after her? I'm a girl. Ort doesn't have to 'cause he's a boy, 'cause he's got a dangler and I haven't."

Stupid kitten! First he thought he was a fish, now he thinks he's a mole. The vet says it's because he's missing one of his danglers.

Long hair piled high on top of the head or cut to a short, curvy crop, needs the balance provided by large, dramatic earrings. Those with tresses frizzed into Pre-Raphaelite waves will like the look of huge hoops or ethnic danglers in wood […]

‘You see,’ she cried, ‘what a Herd of Danglers flutter around you […].’

Such once was I, a dangler to the fair; / Still, as a glass, I praise their dress, their air […]

Word Forms

• danglers

Related Words

When Should You Use Dangler?

Use dangler when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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