hold on

verb

held on; holding on; holds on

intransitive verb

1

a

: to maintain a condition or position : persist

b

: to maintain a grasp on something : hang on

2

: to await something (such as a telephone connection) desired or requested

broadly : wait

Phrases

hold on to

: to maintain possession of or adherence to

Synonyms of hold on

• remain
• continue
• last

Examples of hold on in a Sentence

the ancient beliefs still held on in remote mountain villages

hold on a minute—it's not your turn

Recent Examples on the Web

The athlete was subsequently held on a $90,000 bail at Jefferson County Jail. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

Meghan Markle is said to be holding on to her duchess title despite previously airing her struggles with royal life. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 25 Nov. 2025

Bennett is being held on a $3,000 bond. —Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 25 Nov. 2025

Several road closures have been announced ahead of this week's Turkey Trot in Pittsburgh that is held on Thanksgiving morning. —Mike Darnay, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for hold on

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

hold on

verb

1

: to keep a hold

2

: wait entry 1 sense 1a