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

"We will have to be more creative, more serious, in the way we work with the opposition," he added, before announcing he would start holding talks with political parties and trade unions immediately.

From BBC

The image depicted a protester lying on the ground holding a blood-spattered placard while a judge, in a wig and gown, looms over him, wielding a gavel.

From BBC

An addled Daniel discovers them fighting and jumps in to protect Cherry, accidentally holding his mother under the water for too long.

From Los Angeles Times

One social media advert showed a pair of cupped hands holding a bottle of Jagermeister Manifest alongside the caption: "Manifesting the best nights of your life. Get your bottle of Jägermeister Manifest."

From BBC

The team time trial in stage five was also disrupted when the Israel-Premier Tech team, owned by Israeli-Canadian businessman Sylvan Adams, were stopped on the road by a group of protesters holding Palestinian flags.

From BBC

Related Words

• equity 
• goods 
• ownership 
• property