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

Is honesty, as in telling the truth, no longer a requirement for seeking and holding public office?

From Los Angeles Times

Vitrines holding wildly different white or black objects make no sense, because whatever might be the specific visual point of the art objects is extraneous.

From Los Angeles Times

“We are proud of the results and for holding the city accountable for this catastrophe.”

From Los Angeles Times

The new record, with women holding 49% of legislative seats, marks a vast increase over the last decade.

From Los Angeles Times

But Trump ending TPS doesn't beget an immediate end to life in the U.S. for immigrants currently holding the status.

From Salon

Related Words

• equity
• goods
• ownership
• property