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

Whitwell, Tennessee Over in southeast Tennessee, the landscape looks a little bit different, but the Tennessee Valley is breathtaking to behold. — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 28 July 2026

Sporting a classic, seemingly untouched facade, the old building was a sight to behold for both of us. — Raj Tawney, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026

The balance of Spain’s structure in their passing network is a sight to behold, with connections across the pitch that have a near-perfect symmetry. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 15 July 2026

But he’s backed up by a ridiculous roster of talent, notably Michael Olise who has been a joy to behold this summer. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 14 July 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