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

Lo and behold, Rashid Shaheed had a crease, shed a diving tackle attempt and ran free into the end zone for a 100-yard score. —Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 8 Dec. 2025

Despite bitter wind chills dropping some temperatures into the single digits, the moon was a sight to behold. —John Tufts, IndyStar, 5 Dec. 2025

Boaters can sail right up to the dock and step ashore for a meal on the deck, where the sunset views facing west over the Tolomoto River are a wonder to behold. —Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2025

Created by the artists at Macy’s Parade Studio in partnership with Pixar Animation Studios, the Buzz Lightyear balloon is an impressive sight to behold. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 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