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

Viktor Gyokeres was on his way to the team bus when he spotted a fan holding a sign asking for a statue to be built for him.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

So some investors may worry that spreads aren’t wide enough to justify the extra risk of holding bonds that can default.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

There are also mini Bowser cauldrons capable of holding five to 11 kernels of popcorn.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

The ETF is down 4.4% since the war started on Feb. 27, but it’s holding up better than the iShares U.S.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

“Family only, but her roommates are holding a small reception at her apartment.”

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• equity
• goods
• ownership
• property