holder

noun

hold·​er ˈhōl-dər 

1

: a person that holds: such as

a(1)

: owner

(2)

: tenant

b

: a person in possession of and legally entitled to receive payment of a bill, note, or check

2

: a device that holds

a cigarette holder

Synonyms of holder

• owner
• proprietor

Examples of holder in a Sentence

She is the holder of an honorary degree.

the holder of a world record

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to multiple slip and zippered pockets found on the outside and throughout the inside, this tote has a keyring holder and a padded laptop pouch. —Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2026

At Sunset+Vine, which was founded 30 years ago, East will focus on scaling the company’s international presence, deepening strategic partnerships with rights holders and integrating live, original and digital-native content. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026

While emerging markets appear to be driving recent sales, major reserve holders such as the Reserve Bank of India, People's Bank of China and Bundesbank have remained largely opaque on their gold activity, underscoring the limited visibility into official sector flows. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026

These cone holders are made of kraft paper and are perfect for serving pizzelle to your family and friends. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing holder

• co-holder
• holder in due course
• pot holder
• record holder
• slave holder

Rhymes for holder

• bolder
• bowlder
• colder
• folder
• golder
• molder
• moulder
• older
• polder
• shoulder
• beholder
• bondholder

Kids Definition

holder

noun

hold·​er ˈhōl-dər 

1

: a person that holds

especially : a legal owner

2

: a device that holds

Legal Definition

holder

noun

hold·​er

1

: a person that holds: as

a

: owner

the holder of a patent

—often used in combination

a stockholder

b

: one that holds or occupies the property of another by agreement and especially under a lease

2

a

: a person who under the Uniform Commercial Code is in possession of a negotiable instrument that names and is made payable to the possessor or that is payable to bearer

b

: a person under the Uniform Commercial Code in possession of goods named in a document of title if the goods are deliverable to bearer or to the order of the possessor

3

in the civil law of Louisiana : an individual (as a trustee or debtor) or legal or commercial entity that under the Civil Code's provisions for disposition of unclaimed property is in possession of property belonging to another