hold·out
ˈhōld-ˌau̇t 
held out; holding out; holds out
1
: to remain unsubdued or unyielding
where 30 of the … refugees were still holding out—
Anna Tomforde
Anna Tomforde
also
: to continue to function or be available : last entry 1
prayed that the engine would hold out
as long as our money holds out
2
: to refuse to go along with others in a concerted action or to come to an agreement
holding out for a shorter workweek
Examples of holdout in a Sentence
Noun
He says he might be a holdout at the start of the next season if the team doesn't agree to pay him more.
He is expected to end his three-week holdout and join the team tomorrow.
A few holdouts still use typewriters, but nearly everybody uses computers now.
Verb
we hoped our supply of firewood would hold out until power was restored
luckily, the old outboard motor held out till we made it to shore
Recent Examples on the Web
Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
Sangha was the last holdout of the five individuals law enforcement put at the center of Perry’s death in their summer 2024 arrests.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Hunt and Lewis were listed as limited participants, while Ekwonu was held out of the first practice.
—Mike Kaye
september 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdout
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Noun
In a luxury industry almost entirely controlled by gargantuan conglomerates like LVMH and Kering, Armani was a rare holdout, managing to retain its independence a private company.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
Sangha was the last holdout of the five individuals law enforcement put at the center of Perry’s death in their summer 2024 arrests.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
While the team can hold out some hope that Anthony returns before their season is over, the rookie didn't sound very optimistic after Tuesday's game.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Hunt and Lewis were listed as limited participants, while Ekwonu was held out of the first practice.
—Mike Kaye
september 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdout
Cite this Entry
“Holdout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holdout. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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