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, a whole new discovery is made, because the material supports it. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 1 July 2026

And for the jersey-clad among them, leaving the country on the heels of their favorite teams’ World Cup exits, what that suitcase beholds is worth stopping for. — Noah White, Washington Post, 30 June 2026

Not only were her clothing choices a sight to behold, but her influence on modern jewelry trends can still be felt today. — Moises Mendez Ii, InStyle, 29 June 2026

Bello’s regression this season has been shocking to behold, and his Jekyll and Hyde act when starting games versus coming out as a bulk reliever defies explanation. — Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 28 June 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