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

But the Democratic candidates who could help the party regain control of the Senate may complicate Schumer’s effort to hold on to his leading role. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026

At the same time, more people are being recalled to prison for breaching the terms of their parole, and more are held on remand, waiting to go to court. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026

It’s known for striking and then holding on until its prey dies. — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

But power had not truly shifted to the Black majority, with the white minority maintaining a hold on important government positions per the terms of the new constitution. — Chinatsu Tsuji, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 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