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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2025 The Dodgers held on for a 4-3 win, jumping out to a commanding 2-0 lead at Citizens Bank Park in the best-of-five series. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025 She is being held on $14 million bond. Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 Republicans will likely hold on to the seat, which will help boost the House GOP’s razor-thin majority to barely give Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) some breathing room. Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hold on

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hold on was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hold%20on. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

hold on

verb
1
: to keep a hold
2

More from Merriam-Webster on hold on

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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