holding

American  

[hohl-ding] / ˈhoʊl dɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that holds. hold.

2. a section of land leased or otherwise tenanted, especially for agricultural purposes.

3. a company owned by a holding company.

4. Often holdings. legally owned property, especially stocks, bonds, or real estate.

5. Library Science. holdings, the entire collection of books, periodicals, and other materials in a library.

6. Sports. the illegal obstruction of an opponent, as in football, basketball, or ice hockey, by use of the hands, arms, or stick.

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holding British  

/ ˈhəʊldɪŋ /

noun

1. land held under a lease and used for agriculture or similar purposes

2. (often plural) property to which the holder has legal title, such as land, stocks, shares, and other investments

3. sport the obstruction of an opponent with the hands or arms, esp in boxing

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adjective

1. informal in funds; having money

Other Word Forms

• preholding noun

Etymology

Origin of holding

First recorded in 1175–1225, holding is from the Middle English word holding. See hold ¹, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

AUGUSTA, Ga.—With Rory McIlroy holding a historic lead before the third round of the Masters, Shane Lowry needed a pair of miracles to work his way into contention.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

The remarks perfectly captured Vance's predicament as he leads a US delegation holding talks with Iran in Pakistan.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

When it does, the agency expects to lose communication for about six minutes as the Orion capsule holding the astronauts is enveloped in a fireball.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

By the time they hit the pan, they’re already seasoned through, already holding onto something deeper.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

Maggie glanced to the passenger side of the truck at the heavy ceramic bowl holding twenty-five-pound bags of self-rising flour.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• equity
• goods
• ownership
• property