holder

American  

[hohl-der] / ˈhoʊl dər /

noun

1. something that holds hold or secures.

   a pencil holder.

2. a person who has the ownership, possession, or use of something; owner; tenant.

3. Law. a person who has the legal right to enforce a negotiable instrument.

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holder British  

/ ˈhəʊldə /

noun

1. a person or thing that holds

2. 1. a person, such as an owner, who has possession or control of something

   2. ( in combination )

      householder

3. law a person who has possession of a bill of exchange, cheque, or promissory note that he is legally entitled to enforce

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Other Word Forms

• holdership noun
• preholder noun

Etymology

Origin of holder

First recorded in 1300–50, holder is from the Middle English word haldere. See hold ¹, -er ¹

Example Sentences

The result has now been officially recognized by Guinness, with the new QR code measuring just 37% the size of the previous record holder.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

One little-known holder of SpaceX stock is Blue Owl Technology Finance, a depressed business development company focused on high-yield technology lending in the private credit market.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

It has been held by hereditary right by the Howard family since 1672 and the current holder is Edward Fitzalan-Howard, the 18th Duke of Norfolk, who inherited the position from his father in June 2002.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

An account holder who decides to, say, blow it on a trip to Cancún could owe $406 in federal income taxes and a $338 penalty on the withdrawal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

There’s a plastic shoe holder hanging from the back of the door.

From "Piecing Me Together" by Renée Watson

Related Words

• buyer
• landowner
• partner
• purchaser