hold
verb (used with object)
to have or keep in the hand; keep fast; grasp.
has been holding
-
present perfect progressiveof hold (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
The US has been holding regular negotiations with Denmark to expand its military presence in Greenland, according to multiple officials familiar with the discussions, with talks between both sides progressing in recent months.
From BBC ● May 12, 2026
It had planned to formalize the changes with an email to customers in February, but has been holding off.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 6, 2026
“The ex-tech market has been holding up relatively well,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 27, 2026
“The truth is, the complexity we’ve created over time has been holding us back,” Fiddelke wrote in a memo sent to staff reviewed by Barron’s.
From Barron's ● Oct. 23, 2025
Serena Joy, who has been holding her breath, expels it.
From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood
