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

There are ambitious plans for the development of the stadium, with a planning meeting expected to be held on September 16, which should hopefully see those plans take a significant step forward. — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Rituals are held on the final day to pray for the souls of the departed. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

It will be held in an atmosphere of heightened political tensions as ruling populists seek to hold on to power despite widespread popular discontent. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Last year, the Venice amfAR Gala was held on a private island only accessible by water bus, with an after-party on another, more beautiful private Venetian island that was difficult to leave. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 7 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