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

see also:

hold on 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

Security at the Kansas City Fan Festival, being held on the grounds of the National World War I Museum and Memorial, is to include metal detectors, a secured perimeter, entrance with clear bags, and access to the festival using a mobile app. —Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026

Singh, who was previously being held on $400,000 bail, had his bail revoked following the hearing. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026

Jail records showed he is being held on $50,000 bail. —Jason Green, Mercury News, 11 June 2026

Philadelphia's official Pride Festival was held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, but a large crowd also gathered in the Gayborhood. —Liz Crawford, CBS News, 11 June 2026

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