behold

American

[bih-hohld] / bɪˈhoʊld /

verb (used with object)

beheld, beholding

to observe; look at; see.

Synonyms:

discern, watch, view, regard

interjection

look; see.

And, behold, three sentries of the King did appear.

behold British

/ bɪˈhəʊld /

verb

to look (at); observe

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

beholdable adjective
beholder noun
unbeholdable adjective

Etymology

Origin of behold

First recorded before 900; Middle English beholden, Old English behaldan “to keep”; be-, hold ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fact: The speed, power, and precision of U.S. air and naval power is indeed something to behold.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026

Even when her film is utterly befuddling, it’s a joy to behold.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

"And lo and behold, 12 hours later we had the rough version of this thing."

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

No surprise, then, that the revival of “Amadeus” that opened Sunday at Pasadena Playhouse is a marvel to behold.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

“I’m going very fast, and he’s getting dearer every minute,” added Jo to herself, then with a mental shake she entered into the business with an energy that was pleasant to behold.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023