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 of behold

• 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 finished outfit is a sight to behold, something out of a surrealist painting or, yes, out of an eight year old’s imagination. —José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026

There’s no wrong way to behold the beauty of Joshua Tree, whether you’re drawn to rock formations, particular plants, seasonal fauna, or outdoor activities. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026

The body horror depicted in the 11-episode first season is a sight to behold, from botched facelifts to the varied beauty births, the season is drowning in blood, guts, vomit and an abundance of other unseemly bodily fluids. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026

The appetites of American presidents are fearful to behold. —Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2026

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