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

Bottoms' win marks the first time Georgia has elected a Democratic governor in more than 20 years, breaking the Republican hold on state government in Georgia. — Sarah Kallis, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026

The annual awards ceremony will be held on November 13 in Los Angeles, honoring behind-the-camera artisans who work tirelessly at their craft to make some of the best films in the world. — William Earl, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026

Despite a map that had initially looked favorable to Republicans, steep headwinds emerged for the party as competitive races cropped up in reliably red states like Iowa in recent months, throwing the GOP's hold on the upper chamber into question. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Becerra’s win over Republican Steve Hilton, called by the Associated Press shortly after polls closed Tuesday, means Democrats will extend their 16-year hold on the Executive Mansion to a third governor. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 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