hold
verb (used with object)
to have or keep in the hand; keep fast; grasp.
have been holding
-
present perfect progressiveof hold.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.
I’ve been wanting to get a dog for a while now, but a few things have been holding me up: How much will it cost?
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026
“You can’t rule that out that she would have been holding the instrument that caused either of those wounds?” the attorney asked.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
Ed Yardeni, president and chief investment strategist of Yardeni Research, is also expecting a big print, pointing to the fact that Redbook’s same-store sales data have been holding strong.
From Barron's ● May 13, 2026
Federal ministries have been holding regular briefings and say they are taking steps to ensure stable supplies of petroleum products and cooking gas.
From BBC ● Apr. 28, 2026
“So, perhaps I have been holding it all this time so I could give it to you.”
From "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" by Grace Lin
