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holding tank

American  
[hohl-ding tangk] / ˈhoʊl dɪŋ ˌtæŋk /

noun

  1. a tank for the temporary storage of a substance.

  2. Also called holding pen. tank.


Etymology

Origin of holding tank

First recorded in 1970–75


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.

See Examples For:

He believes high levels of gas were produced in the holding tank that exploded, which may have been ignited by a spark on the day of the incident.

From BBC ● Mar. 31, 2025

“It looked like a shark attack,” said Alexander Halvorson, who was in the same holding tank waiting to go to court that day.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 28, 2025

Another detail the woman who turned us away never heard is that Clyde's birthday, listed on the name tag taped to his holding tank, is two days after RayRay's death.

From Salon ● Dec. 6, 2024

Without this important convenience, you’ll be stunned how fast you’ll fill up your onboard sewage holding tank.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 19, 2024

“Noah, you understand why I sunk the Coral Queen, right? Every time Dusty empties her holding tank, it’s like flushing a hundred filthy toilets into God’s ocean!”

From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen

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