holdout

1 of 2

noun

hold·​out ˈhōld-ˌau̇t 

: one that holds out (as in negotiations)

also : an instance of holding out

hold out

2 of 2

verb

held out; holding out; holds out

intransitive verb

1

: to remain unsubdued or unyielding

… where 30 of the … refugees were still holding out.

—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

transitive verb

1

: to present as something realizable : proffer

2

: to represent to be

Phrases

hold out on

: to withhold something (such as information) from

Synonyms of holdout

Verb

• survive
• last
• prevail

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

Noun

But that was before a series of threats and swatting incidents against lawmakers and other politicians, most of whom have opposed or not issued a public stance on redistricting, as well as the president's pledge to primary the holdouts. —Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 1 Dec. 2025

The city, which was seen as the last holdout in Darfur of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), fell to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in late October. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 26 Nov. 2025

Verb

Many have been calling for Washington to hold out Daniels for the remainder of the season to avoid the risk of potentially further injuring his left elbow. —Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025

But when both Queta and guard Derrick White were held out Sunday’s road matchup in Cleveland, Tillman finally got his chance. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 3 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1908, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1556, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for holdout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

hold out

verb

1

: to remain in being : last

hope the food holds out

2

: to remain unyielding : refuse to surrender or give in

held out until help arrived

holdout

ˈhōl-ˌdau̇t

noun