holding

[ hohl-ding ]

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that holds. hold.
2. a section of land leased or otherwise tenanted, especially for agricultural purposes.
3. a company owned by a holding company.
4. Often holdings. legally owned property, especially stocks, bonds, or real estate.
5. holdings, Library Science. the entire collection of books, periodicals, and other materials in a library.
6. Sports. the illegal obstruction of an opponent, as in football, basketball, or ice hockey, by use of the hands, arms, or stick.

holding

/ ˈhəʊldɪŋ /

noun

1. land held under a lease and used for agriculture or similar purposes
2. often plural property to which the holder has legal title, such as land, stocks, shares, and other investments
3. sport the obstruction of an opponent with the hands or arms, esp in boxing

adjective

1. informal.
   in funds; having money

Other Words From

• pre·holding noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of holding¹

First recorded in 1175–1225, holding is from the Middle English word holding. See hold ¹, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Mark Paoletta, a conservative attorney serving on Trump’s transition team, said Monday on X that Trump’s agenda included “stopping the lawfare and persecution of political opponents,” but also “holding accountable those who weaponized their government authority to abuse Americans.”

From Los Angeles Times

The US Coast Guard is holding a public hearing on 16 September to examine why the disaster happened, from the sub’s unconventional design to ignored safety warnings and the lack of regulation in the deep.

From BBC

The mood around England seems increasingly gripped by a sense of drift, a holding operation with Carsley as the front man while Tuchel strangely waits in the wings before taking charge.

From BBC

Safeguards were tightened following the murders of MPs Jo Cox in 2016 and Sir David Amess in 2021 and anyone convicted of intimidation offences relating to elections can be banned from holding elected office for five years.

From BBC

The SNP, including Flynn, was highly critical of former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross for holding what is known as a dual mandate.

From BBC

Related Words

• equity
• goods
• ownership
• property