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

• 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

Prices will range from 40 euros for candle holders to 60 euros for the mini vases, while the scented candles will come in three formats retailing at 69 euros, 115 euros and 165 euros. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 8 July 2025

The offering granted holders access to exclusive music and private experiences, turning fans into partners. —Charles Morey, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

Cooper held an exclusive 21+ one-night party at Recess Chicago on Saturday, July 5, featuring DJs like Cash Cash and headliner Dillon Francis for a limited number of ticket holders. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 7 July 2025

Visa and green-card holders are one thing; there are legitimate rules to follow and the status can reasonably be seen as conditional. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025

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