1
: having the effect of holding back or delaying something
the [war] represented a holding action against the spread of world Communism—
Sidney Offit
Sidney Offit2
: intended for usually temporary storage or retention
a holding tank
Synonyms
Examples of holding in a Sentence
Noun
penalized 10 yards for holding
the holding of “not guilty” took everyone by surprise
Adjective
The troops were engaged in a holding action until reinforcements could arrive.
Recent Examples on the Web
John Meyer, The Denver Post, 19 Nov. 2024
Recent developments include joint ventures for property development in Texas and strategic monetization of real estate holdings, including agreements to sell certain properties.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2024
Bryce Callahan was flagged for a non-holding call that nullified a pick and led to K.C.’s first score.
—Nick Canepacolumnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2022
See all Example Sentences for holding 
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Noun
Arapahoe Basin has officially joined the Alterra Mountain Company list of resort holdings with the announcement on Tuesday that the purchase has closed.
—John Meyer, The Denver Post, 19 Nov. 2024
Recent developments include joint ventures for property development in Texas and strategic monetization of real estate holdings, including agreements to sell certain properties.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
This is a great opportunity to take advantage of lower cabinet storage which is often studier with more holding room.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2024
Bryce Callahan was flagged for a non-holding call that nullified a pick and led to K.C.’s first score.
—Nick Canepacolumnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2022
See all Example Sentences for holding
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Dictionary Entries Near holding
Cite this Entry
“Holding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holding. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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