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

Media reports had said in February that the NHK bureau chief was arrested on January 20 and was sent to a prison known for holding political detainees.

From Barron's • 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

The bulky toy was holding a hollow, polka-dotted egg.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Good thing neither of us is holding grudges.

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

Related Words

• equity
• goods
• ownership
• property