# Hangman > Play the classic word-guessing game in your browser: tens of thousands of family-friendly dictionary words from easy to expert, 48 categories, famous phrases, a 2-player secret-word mode, hints, and a score streak. - Page: https://linguaholic.com/games/hangman/ - Type: free browser game, no sign-up, runs in the browser - Publisher: Linguaholic (https://linguaholic.com/), made by Marcel Iseli - Last updated: October 2, 2026 - Open it pre-filled: https://linguaholic.com/games/hangman/?mode=category&category=animals&level=easy&lives=8 - `mode`: dictionary (any word), category, phrases, friend (2 players) (for example `category`) - `level`: easy, medium, hard, expert (expert becomes hard in category mode, which has no expert lists) (for example `easy`) - `category`: one of the 48 theme keys (e.g. animals, space, food, christmas, dinosaurs, sports) or any; on its own it also switches to category mode (for example `animals`) - `lives`: 6, 8 or 10 (for example `8`) ## How to play Hangman **Hangman** is the classic pencil-and-paper word-guessing game. One player picks a secret word and draws a dash for each letter. The other player guesses one letter at a time: 1. If the letter is in the word, it’s written on every dash where it appears. 2. If it isn’t, one part of the hangman drawing is added — head, body, arms, and legs. 3. Guess the whole word before the drawing is finished to win. Complete the drawing first and you lose. In the classic game you get **6 wrong guesses**. On this page you can also choose 8 or 10 lives, which draws the gallows step by step first — kinder for younger players. ## How to play Hangman online here - **Any word** picks from more than 38,000 family-friendly dictionary words. Choose *Easy* (common, longer words), *Medium*, *Hard* (short words with rare letters), or *Expert* (less common words for word lovers). - **Categories** uses 48 themes with 2,160 hand-picked words — animals, Christmas, space, food, jobs, and more — so you always get a clue. - **Phrases** gives you 98 well-known sayings like “piece of cake”. - **2 players** lets one person type a secret word or phrase for the other to guess. Tap the letters or type them on your keyboard. Stuck? **Reveal a letter** costs one life. After each round you’ll see what the word means, and your wins, losses, and streak are counted. ## Frequently asked questions **How do you play Hangman?** One player thinks of a word and draws a blank for each letter. The other player guesses letters one at a time. Correct letters are filled in; every wrong guess adds a part to the hangman drawing. Guess the whole word before the drawing is finished to win. On this page the computer picks the word — just tap letters or type them on your keyboard. **How many words are there?** More than 38,000 family-friendly English words from our dictionary, in four levels (easy, medium, hard, and expert), plus 48 themed categories with 2,160 hand-picked words and about 100 well-known phrases. Words don't repeat within a session until the pool runs out. **What are the hardest words in Hangman?** Short words with rare letters and few vowels are hardest, because most guesses miss: jazz, buzz, fuzz, jinx, lynx, rhythm, sphinx, quiz, fjord, zigzag, ivy, and jukebox are classic examples. Choose the Hard level to get words like these. **What are good words for Hangman?** For a fun, fair game choose words most players know, with a mix of common and uncommon letters — like giraffe, pumpkin, blanket, or volcano. For kids, pick longer everyday words, which are easier because each guess is more likely to hit. For a real challenge, pick short words with J, Q, X, Z, V, K, or Y. **Can two people play?** Yes. Choose 2 players: Player 1 types a secret word or phrase (hidden as they type) and an optional clue, then hands the device to Player 2 to guess. Take turns and compare scores. **How many lives do you get?** The classic game gives 6 wrong guesses — head, body, two arms, and two legs. For younger players you can choose 8 or 10 lives, which also draws the gallows step by step. **Is the game family-friendly?** Yes. Every word list is filtered to remove rude, violent, or grown-up words, so it's suitable for classrooms and kids. **Is it free?** Yes — free, no sign-up, and no app. It runs in your browser and nothing is stored or sent anywhere. ## Data sources Word data: Linguaholic’s English dictionary, built from the open ENABLE and SCOWL word lists, the CMU Pronouncing Dictionary (pronunciation and syllables) and Princeton WordNet (meanings). 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