holding

[hohl-ding]

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.

holding

/ 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

adjective

1. informal,  in funds; having money

Other Word Forms

• preholding noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of holding¹

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

Example Sentences

All the same, she is holding on to hope: "We will think about our next steps after my mum comes out."

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The high-profile AI investor, who has been dismissive of bubble talk, has been busy topping up tech holdings and buying the crypto dip, through various funds.

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The high-profile AI investor, who has been dismissive of bubble talk, has been busy topping up tech holdings and buying the crypto dip, through various funds.

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Pope Leo has so far operated very differently, gently holding on to some of the progressive ideals of his predecessor while paying heed to the views of traditionalists.

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The six were jailed for up to eight months and banned from holding public office for two years.

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Related Words

• equity 
• goods 
• ownership 
• property