holding

American  

[hohl-ding] / ˈhoʊl dɪŋ /

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. Library Science. holdings, 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.

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holding British  

/ 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

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adjective

1. informal in funds; having money

Other Word Forms

• preholding noun

Etymology

Origin of holding

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

Example Sentences

But many Russians are nevertheless holding out, opposing a Max mandate in schools and state institutions, and saying they don’t trust the app to safeguard their privacy.

From The Wall Street Journal

In holding off before taking action, the prime minister is putting himself out of step with some of his allies.

From BBC

The bottom line: You may want to remain invested in equities during April or even increase your holdings.

From MarketWatch

Treasury yields were little changed as ambiguous signals from the White House about the path forward in the Middle East keep traders in a holding pattern.

From The Wall Street Journal

Natalie said they hoped to be able to hold more sessions in future, subject to funding, and they would look at holding them later in the day to enable more professionals, including hairdressers, to attend.

From BBC

Related Words

• equity
• goods
• ownership
• property