behold

1 of 2

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

beholder

2 of 2

noun

be·​hold·​er

bi-ˈhōl-dər, 

bē-

plural -s

: one that beholds

Synonyms of behold

Verb

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

Examples of behold in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Olise plays with freedom, intelligence and responsible abandon that is a joy to behold. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

For sheer spectacle, behold the first physical build of General Grievous’ Wheel Bike, an invention previously only realized in CGI but built specifically for the museum at Lucas’ request. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Their take on the story of Agamemnon’s obsessive daughter — fixated on revenge since his death at the hands of her mother, Clytemnestra — should be something fierce to behold. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026

Intricate and humane, with a depth of thinking that is a blessing to behold, Will and Attention is a book that will hold your presence completely, and will be remembered forever in its wake. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Noun

Middle English, from beholden + -er

First Known Use

Verb

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