Meaning & use
cliffhangers
Last updated
“cliffhangers” is a form of “cliffhanger”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nouncountable
An exciting or dramatic ending to a part of a story that leaves the outcome uncertain, making you want to find out what happens next.
Grammar: Usually plural in form 'cliffhangers', but the singular is 'cliffhanger'.
Patterns
- end on a cliffhanger
- a cliffhanger ending
- leave someone with a cliffhanger
The season finale ended with a huge cliffhanger.
Many TV shows use cliffhangers to keep viewers watching.
The book's cliffhangers made it hard to put down.
Word forms
| singular | cliffhanger |
|---|
Common combinations
- end on a cliffhanger
- The episode ended on a cliffhanger.
- cliffhanger ending
- The film had a classic cliffhanger ending.
- a real cliffhanger
- The election result was a real cliffhanger.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- cliffhanger noun
- The singular form.
Practice
The TV series is famous for its ______, which keep fans guessing until the next episode.
Choose one answer.
The plural 'cliffhangers' is needed because it refers to multiple instances. 'Cliffhanger' would be singular and not agree with 'its' and 'keep'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “cliffhangers”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.