cliff–hanger

noun cliff–hang·er \ˈklif-ˌhaŋ-ər\

: a story, contest, or situation that is very exciting because what is going to happen next is not known

Full Definition of CLIFF-HANGER

: an adventure serial or melodrama; especially : one presented in installments each ending in suspense

: a contest whose outcome is in doubt up to the very end; broadly : a suspenseful situation

— cliff–hang·ing \-iŋ\ adjective

See cliff–hanger defined for English-language learners

circa 1931

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