cliffhanger — a dramatic and exciting ending to an episode of a serial, leaving the audience in suspense
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a dramatic and exciting ending to an episode of a serial, leaving the audience in suspense
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈklɪfˌhæŋər/
Example Sentences
- My mom refuses to watch any TV series because she can't handle cliffhangers - she needs to know everything right now!
- The Netflix series ended on such a cruel cliffhanger that fans started a petition for the next season.
- I accidentally spoiled the cliffhanger for my friend and now she won't talk to me for a week.
cliffhanger
NOUN[/ˈklɪfˌhæŋər/]
a dramatic and exciting ending to an episode of a serial, leaving the audience in suspense
a dramatic and exciting ending to an episode of a serial, leaving the audience in suspense
Cliff hanger leaves everyone hanging in suspense!
A stranger faces danger in the ultimate cliffhanger!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term originated in American serial cinema in 1937, derived from scenes where episodes ended with the protagonist literally hanging from a cliff in a perilous situation. This dramatic narrative device became the basis for describing any suspenseful ending that leaves audiences eager for the next installment.
Breakdown
cliff (a steep rock face) + hanger (something that hangs or is suspended). The compound literally describes a character suspended precariously from a cliff edge.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom refuses to watch any TV series because she can't handle cliffhangers - she needs to know everything right now!”
“The Netflix series ended on such a cruel cliffhanger that fans started a petition for the next season.”
“I accidentally spoiled the cliffhanger for my friend and now she won't talk to me for a week.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.