holdback

American  

[hohld-bak] / ˈhoʊldˌbæk /

noun

1. the iron or strap on the shaft of a horse-drawn vehicle to which the breeching of the harness is attached, enabling the horse to hold back or to back the vehicle.

2. a device for restraining or checking, as a doorstop or tieback.

3. a stop or delay.

   a holdback in negotiations.

4. a withholding.

   the holdback of a day's pay.

5. something, as a planned expenditure or allotment, that is withheld or deferred.

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Etymology

Origin of holdback

First recorded in 1575–85; noun use of verb phrase hold back

Example Sentences

When a former USC football player launched a holdback academy in Riverside County, Calif., in 2015, few were speaking about the subject publicly, let alone proudly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

At Praxis, a “curated private middle school for student athletes” in San Diego where 15 boys are doing a holdback year, NIL is always front and center.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

“The market is still unsettled in a lot of ways, but in this case the simultaneous streaming, the holdback from a China release date and rampant piracy are hurting the film — badly.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 19, 2021

The holdback on the long-term compensation plan could apply to up to three retired executives, including Mr. Blankfein, Michael Sherwood and J. Michael Evans, the person said.

From New York Times • Feb. 1, 2019

For this end, during eleven years, all had given their share without stint or holdback.

From Christine A Fife Fisher Girl by Barr, Amelia Edith Huddleston