hold on

verb

held on; holding on; holds on

intransitive verb

1

a

: to maintain a condition or position : persist

b

: to maintain a grasp on something : hang on

2

: to await something (such as a telephone connection) desired or requested

broadly : wait

see also:

hold on to

Synonyms of hold on

• remain
• continue
• last

Examples of hold on in a Sentence

the ancient beliefs still held on in remote mountain villages

hold on a minute—it's not your turn

Recent Examples on the Web

The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026

She is being held on $250,000 bail and faces from five to 15 years if convicted. — Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 29 June 2026

Today’s column is going to focus on some of the Best Stocks in the Market that weren’t able to hold on. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 29 June 2026

The free concerts, which began in 2000, are sponsored by the Clarendon Hills Chamber of Commerce and are held on Prospect Avenue, between the railroad tracks and Park Avenue in the downtown area. — Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for hold on

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

hold on

verb

1

: to keep a hold

2

: wait entry 1 sense 1a