holding company

noun

: a company whose primary business is holding a controlling interest in the securities of other companies compare investment company

Examples of holding company in a Sentence

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.
Thrifty Ice Cream, a long-time symbol of the pharmacy chain, was sold to a holding company tied to Monster Beverage Corporation executives Hilton Schlosberg and Rodney Sacks. James Powel, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025 The law allows California to maintain its lead in innovation while also holding companies accountable and prioritizing safety, Newsom said in a release. Samantha Subin, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025 Juventus have a billionaire owner of their own, of course, but Exor, the Agnelli family’s holding company, has always expected the club to be run like the other businesses in its portfolio. James Horncastle, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 Ari Emanuel has launched MARI, a new holding company for the Frieze art organization, global tennis tournaments and other assets once housed by Endeavor. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for holding company

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of holding company was in 1906

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Holding company.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holding%20company. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Legal Definition

holding company

see company

More from Merriam-Webster on holding company

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!