placeholder

[ pleys-hohl-der ]

noun

1. something that marks or temporarily fills a place (often used attributively): We’re using placeholder art in this mock-up of the ad layout.

   I couldn’t find my bookmark, so I put a coaster in my book as a placeholder.

   We’re using placeholder art in this mock-up of the ad layout.

2. Mathematics, Logic. a symbol in an expression that may be replaced by the name of any element of the set.
3. a person who holds a government office, especially one appointed to the position in return for political support or favors.

Word History and Origins

Origin of placeholder¹

First recorded in 1550–60; place + holder

Example Sentences

In downtown Los Angeles, parking lots are often placeholders, eventually giving rise to future development, but in the district known as South Park, one parking lot might just stay low.

From Los Angeles Times

Test recordings are often used in film and television for focus groups, internal meetings, or as placeholders for works in progress.

From BBC

For the next three weeks, Mr González was referred to by his own coalition members as a "placeholder", who was widely expected to be replaced by a candidate with more name recognition.

From BBC

It could become a glamorous placeholder: I like you enough to consider marrying you and I don’t want you going anywhere while I continue to think about it.

From Los Angeles Times

She had been given what is called a placeholder job.

From BBC