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

See Examples For:

holdback

Marguerite Gaspar, a former public school teacher who helps home-schoolers comply with state educational policies, has built a clientele of holdback families in a variety of sports.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 22, 2026

Like other parents, athletes and coaches interviewed, Bowman said he couldn’t think of any downsides for his son—athletic, emotional or social—from doing a holdback year.

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

When the nerve is unduly irritated the holdback, or inhibitory force, is increased, and the heart slows up in the same measure.

From Special Report on Diseases of the Horse by Michener, Charles B.