holdback

1 of 2

noun

hold·​back ˈhōl(d)-ˌbak How to pronounce holdback (audio)
1
: something that retains or restrains
2
a
: the act of holding back
b
: something held back

hold back

2 of 2

verb

held back; holding back; holds back

transitive verb

1
a
: to hinder the progress or achievement of : restrain
b
: to keep from advancing to the next stage, grade, or level
2
: to refrain from revealing or parting with
held back important information

intransitive verb

1
: to keep oneself in check
2
: to refrain from revealing or parting with something

Examples of holdback in a Sentence

Noun there'll be a holdback on production until the new machinery is fully installed the only holdback to starting the new job is my contractual commitment to my current position Verb the only thing holding them back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation held back her tears until she was alone
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The best rooms look as though they've been decorated over time, like this one featuring a collection of distressed wood dressers, a metal bed frame, and antique drapery holdbacks. Andrea Crowley, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023 That's because the manufacturer will typically designate a holdback price, or a percentage of the MSRP or invoice. Elizabeth Rivelli, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023 France Télévisions also has first-window exclusivity for the French-language version, with a one-year holdback. Martin Dale, Variety, 11 Jan. 2023 The manufacturer pays the holdback price to the dealership once the dealer sells the vehicle. Elizabeth Rivelli, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023 There is a six-month holdback for the launch of the English-language versions in France. Martin Dale, Variety, 11 Jan. 2023 The reason Cannes doesn’t show Netflix films is simply because of the film law in France, which defines a very long holdback period after a film can move from theatrical release to streaming. Patrick Frater, Variety, 25 Oct. 2022 The Prime Video Original will launch worldwide on the streaming platform and will be available to linear TV and other outlets after a holdback, said Lozano. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 3 Nov. 2022 The deal sees YouTube launching the series worldwide but with a one-year holdback in the French language, where France Télévisions has first-window exclusivity. John Hopewell, Variety, 12 Oct. 2022
Verb
The industry’s dirty legacy has held back hiring of graduates and led to public protests, hampering efforts to expand production and open new mines. Yusuf Khan, WSJ, 23 Nov. 2023 Sean Zanni North didn't hold back while watching Davidson walk the red carpet solo in 2023. Glamour, 23 Nov. 2023 In an exclusive clip from the finale (below) shared with The Hollywood Reporter, Toby doesn’t hold back on speaking his mind about Cely and Eyal. Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2023 Those in attendance — from kids who were accompanied by their parents to groups of teenagers — didn’t hold back and sang every single song on Cornejo’s set at the top of their lungs. Griselda Flores, Billboard, 18 Nov. 2023 Senate Democrats have mostly held back from criticizing it. Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2023 During those statements, Goodale appeared to struggle to maintain his composure and hold back tears. CBS News, 16 Nov. 2023 Governments have established ambitious goals to increase the share of renewables in their energy mixes, but a shortage of the materials miners extract could hold back those plans. Yusuf Khan, WSJ, 15 Nov. 2023 There was a part of me that was slightly held back, or maybe nervous of completely committing to something. Kate Aurthur, Variety, 15 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'holdback.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1535, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of holdback was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near holdback

Cite this Entry

“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holdback. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

hold back

verb
1
: to make difficult the progress or achievement of
2
: to keep from revealing or giving
held back important information
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