Meaning & Definition of word "Holding"

Holding

/ˈhoʊldɪŋ/

noun:

  • 1. The act of grasping, possessing, or controlling something.
    • Example: His holding of the trophy was a symbol of his victory.
  • 2. A property or financial asset owned by a person or entity.
    • Example: The company's holding in tech stocks has significantly increased in value.
  • 3. A legal term for the ruling or decision made by a court.
    • Example: The court's holding in the case set a new precedent for intellectual property law.

verb:

  • 1. To grasp, carry, or support with one's hands or arms.
    • Example: She is holding the child's hand as they cross the street.
  • 2. To maintain or keep in a particular state or condition.
    • Example: He is holding his breath while swimming underwater.
  • 3. To continue to have; to retain.
    • Example: 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 of holding

Meaning: To retain an item or asset.

Example Sentence: I'm holding onto my stocks until the market improves.

Meaning: To wait or delay action.

Example Sentence: We’re just holding for now until we get more information.