behold

verb

be·​hold bi-ˈhōld 

bē-

beheld bi-ˈheld 

bē-

; beholding

transitive verb

1

: to perceive through sight or apprehension : see

2

: to gaze upon : observe

It was a pleasure to behold the beauty of the sunset.

The enormous crowd was a sight to behold.

intransitive verb

—used in the imperative especially to call attention

beholder noun

Synonyms

• know
• understand
• see
• recognize
• comprehend
• decipher
• appreciate
• grasp

Examples of behold in a Sentence

Those who have beheld the beauty of the desert never forget it.

to anyone who beholds the immense complexity of life on earth

Recent Examples on the Web

The summer of 2019 in the NBA was one to behold. —Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025

With its idyllic front lawn, gurgling fountain, and two-story deck, Elmwood 1820 Bed & Breakfast Inn is a sight to behold. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2025

In this instance, Delta handles like the original PlayStation 2 game did, and that is both wonderful and eerie to behold. —Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Auroras on Earth are a stunning sight to behold – and a rare one at that from the continental United States. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to keep, behold, from Old English behealdan, from be- + healdan to hold

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing behold

• a sight to see/behold
• a sight/wonder to behold
• lo and behold

Rhymes for behold

• ahold
• billfold
• blindfold
• cajoled
• consoled
• controlled
• cotswold
• eightfold
• enfold
• enrolled
• extolled
• fivefold

Kids Definition

behold

verb

be·​hold bi-ˈhōld 

beheld -ˌheld  ; beholding

: to look upon : see

beholder noun