holdover

1 of 2

noun

hold·​over ˈhōld-ˌō-vər How to pronounce holdover (audio)
: one that is held over

hold over

2 of 2

verb

held over; holding over; holds over

intransitive verb

: to continue (as in office) for a prolonged period

transitive verb

1
b
: to retain in a condition or position from an earlier period
2
: to prolong the engagement of
the film was held over another week

Examples of holdover in a Sentence

Noun He is the only holdover from their last championship team. This policy is a holdover from the previous administration. Verb the golf tournament had to be held over until the line of thunderstorms had passed through
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
View Exterior Photos Big chrome letters spell out Countryman across the rear liftgate, which is a holdover from the previous model, but the font size and spacing emphasize the new Countryman's width. Drew Dorian, Car and Driver, 1 Sep. 2023 Whether that works will also be determined by trust since the coaches are relying on the holdovers from the championship roster to get the team’s six freshmen and two transfers up to speed. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2023 His release leaves only defensive tackle Leki Fotu as the lone holdover from Arizona’s 2020 draft class. Bob McManaman, The Arizona Republic, 29 Aug. 2023 The few holdover players from last year have noticed the differences more than the many newcomers. Brent Schrotenboer, USA TODAY, 11 Aug. 2023 One noteworthy addition is Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne, who won the quarterback competition with holdover Robbie Ashford. Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, 23 Aug. 2023 The Buffaloes feature nearly 70 new scholarship players — and just 10 holdover scholarship players from last season — and his sons have been guaranteed starting jobs, including quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Joe Freeman, oregonlive, 23 Aug. 2023 Wu also re-appointed Priscilla Rojas, the current BPDA board chair whose term is in holdover status, to a term that would expire Aug. 7, 2028. Catherine Carlock, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Aug. 2023 Jacob Zeno and Harrison Barker are the only holdovers from last year’s team. Evan Dudley, al, 30 Aug. 2023
Verb
While the supply tightening engineered by the Saudis reflects the sway the kingdom still holds over energy markets, the International Energy Agency on Tuesday served a reminder of how that grip could be weakened. Grant Smith, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Sep. 2023 This year marks the first time Genius Week will be held over multiple evenings. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Sep. 2023 The funds delivered each month will hold over into the next. Brady Knox, Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2023 The individuals who spoke to NBC News said some of the meetings were held over Microsoft Teams and that the entire panel did not attend every meeting. Janelle Griffith, NBC News, 28 July 2023 Iran’s membership also undermines leverage Washington held over Tehran as a kind of global gatekeeper, said Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Lynsey Chutel, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2023 Ashley Whippet disc dog competition returns Sept. 2-3 The 2023 Ashley Whippet World Series Invitational, the longest-running disc dog competition, will be held over Labor Day weekend from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 2-3 at the Nike Sports Complex, 288 W. Diehl Road. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2023 The home’s large chef’s kitchen includes a Thermador range, double ovens, wet bar and wine refrigerator that holds over 160 bottles. Allie Beth Allman & Associates, Dallas News, 13 Aug. 2023 The couple has held over 60 wellness events in one year and enjoys interacting personally with their community and customers. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'holdover.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1893, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1647, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of holdover was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near holdover

Cite this Entry

“Holdover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holdover. Accessed 28 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

hold over

verb
: to continue beyond a normal or planned time
the movie was held over for three weeks
holdover
ˈhōl-ˌdō-vər
noun

Legal Definition

hold over

intransitive verb
: to remain in a position or condition
one who holds over in possession of a building after the expiration of a term of yearsB. N. Cardozo
holdover noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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