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

Stilted above the sea oats with wraparound porches and shingles made from driftwood and other scraps, the historic oceanfront cottages in Nags Head are a sight to behold. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 9 May 2026

Bettany delivers a brilliant performance, the series is absolutely stunning to behold, and viewers can feel the animosity between Mozart and Salieri. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 May 2026

Hawkers hitched boxes higher and nudged each other to behold the spirited pregnant woman. —‘pemi Aguda, Literary Hub, 6 May 2026

Lift up your eyes unto the hills, and behold all that delightful emptiness. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 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