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

Tracking his trek from the broadcast position down to the court for his pregame hit with Collins, who was one of the biggest proponents of Curry getting his jersey retired, is something to behold. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026

The Witches broke Hanover in the second quarter with unrelenting pressure, and their balanced scoring attack was a sight to behold. —Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026

Palmer’s conception of Sid is a wonder to behold. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026

Pink plum tree blossoms are a sight to behold—the sweet fruit is a wonderful treat too. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 14 Mar. 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