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

Diaz was booked on suspicion of first-degree residential burglary and held on $50,000 bail, according to police. —Sydney Barragan, Daily News, 7 May 2026

The ride starts once the bull’s shoulder or hip breaks the plane of the gate, and then the rider will try and hold on for eight seconds. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026

The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. —Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026

The event will be held on West 7th Street between West Kellogg Boulevard and West 5th Street, directly adjacent to Gates 2 and 3 outside the arena. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 7 May 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