Holding

/ˈhoʊldɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The act of grasping, possessing, or controlling something.
His holding of the trophy was a symbol of his victory.
A property or financial asset owned by a person or entity.
The company's holding in tech stocks has significantly increased in value.
A legal term for the ruling or decision made by a court.
The court's holding in the case set a new precedent for intellectual property law.
verb
To grasp, carry, or support with one's hands or arms.
She is holding the child's hand as they cross the street.
To maintain or keep in a particular state or condition.
He is holding his breath while swimming underwater.
To continue to have; to retain.
She is holding a grudge against him for what he said last year.

Etymology

Middle English, from the verb 'hold'

Common Phrases and Expressions

hold on
to wait or pause for a moment.
hold the fort
to take care of a situation temporarily.
holding back
to restrain or prevent something from moving forward.
holding pattern
a state of no progress, waiting until conditions change.

Related Words

hold
to grasp or support something.
holder
a person or thing that holds something.
holding company
a corporation that does not produce goods or services but owns shares of other companies.

Slang Meanings

To retain an item or asset.
I'm holding onto my stocks until the market improves.
To wait or delay action.
We’re just holding for now until we get more information.