holdback
Americannoun
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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.
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a device for restraining or checking, as a doorstop or tieback.
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a stop or delay.
a holdback in negotiations.
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a withholding.
the holdback of a day's pay.
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something, as a planned expenditure or allotment, that is withheld or deferred.
Etymology
Origin of holdback
First recorded in 1575–85; noun use of verb phrase hold back
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.
Among the cheapest holdback routes is home schooling.
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
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
