hold court

phrase

: to be the center of attention among friends or admirers

Examples of hold court in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier in the episode, Francis swung by Sweet Emily’s, where Frog was once again holding court, telling Ray and Marty about how the antiquities trade really works in Oklahoma. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

Earlier this year, Bad Bunny held court as the Super Bowl Halftime Show performer, celebrating his Puerto Rican heritage in the tradition of Latin America. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026

Both hold court at the cemetery next door to Easton Baptist at the intersection of routes 59 and 136. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026

In her last act, at one of her last appearances, the queen held court with grace and style. — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hold court

• abort
• airport
• alport
• athwart
• carport
• comport
• consort
• deport
• disport
• distort
• escort
• exhort