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

Currently, he is holding fewer bonds than the average benchmark, but indicated a willingness to buy when the 10-year yield rises above 4.5%.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Rumors began swirling that Batula and Wilson were casually dating in early March, with fans reporting that they saw the pair holding hands in New York City.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

But the rules make an exception for investors holding stakes in private-asset funds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

There may be more, as Bondi continues to violate the law by holding back some files.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Then we clustered dripping wet around the heap of prison dresses, holding them up, passing them about, looking for approximate fits.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

• equity
• goods
• ownership
• property