placeholder

[pleys-hohl-der]

noun

1. something that marks or temporarily fills a place (often used attributively): We’re using placeholder art in this mock-up of the ad layout.

   I couldn’t find my bookmark, so I put a coaster in my book as a placeholder.

   We’re using placeholder art in this mock-up of the ad layout.

2. Mathematics, Logic.,  a symbol in an expression that may be replaced by the name of any element of the set.

3. a person who holds a government office, especially one appointed to the position in return for political support or favors.

Word History and Origins

Origin of placeholder¹

First recorded in 1550–60; place + holder

Example Sentences

The boxer was smiling—though it was less a smile than a placeholder expression.

Read more on Literature

Three of them included “X” placeholders instead of specific information about locations or names or details for the arrests.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Attending a recent panel discussion, I heard Times columnist Bill Plaschke refer to Coach Foster as “a placeholder.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He accidentally combined the original name of Washington with the placeholder name that they held for several years before selecting Commanders.

Read more on Salon

Trouble is, the Angels lost 99 games last season, with too many veteran placeholders and not enough prospects, and attendance fell anyway.

Read more on Los Angeles Times