hold on

verb

held on; holding on; holds on
Synonyms of hold onnext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to maintain a condition or position : persist
b
: to maintain a grasp on something : hang on
2
: to await something (such as a telephone connection) desired or requested
broadly : wait
see also:
hold on to

Synonyms of hold on

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Examples of hold on in a Sentence

the ancient beliefs still held on in remote mountain villages hold on a minute—it's not your turn
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Duran started the year hitting third and now bats seventh or eighth, and his hold on everyday playing time might have been saved by Masataka Yoshida’s injury — at least until Roman Anthony’s return. — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Ewing cut down another from left field moments later, and the New York Mets held on for a 2-1 victory Monday night. — Cbs New York Team, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 The filing only reflects Duquesne's holdings as of June 30, leaving it unclear whether Druckenmiller held on to those positions through the July rout or adjusted his exposure after the quarter ended. — Yun Li, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026 Finance already knows the carrying cost of a six-month hold on a project this size. — Christine Wetzler, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hold on

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of hold on was in the 13th century

Rhymes for hold on

See All Rhymes for hold on

Browse Nearby Words

hold off on
hold on
hold one's breath
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hold%20on. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hold on

verb
1
: to keep a hold
2
: wait entry 1 sense 1a

More from Merriam-Webster on hold on

Nglish: Translation of hold on for Spanish Speakers

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