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

The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

Lawmakers have also proposed a 48-hour hold on first-time bullion purchases over $50,000. — Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 13 July 2026

With patience and small-ball poise, the Red Sox tied the game in the top of the ninth, forced extra innings and took a 3-2 lead in the 10th before holding on for their third series sweep of the road trip (and fourth in their last five). — Gabrielle Starr, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2026

That confab is expected to be held on July 25, just 48 hours ahead of a July 27 deadline set by Maine law to replace Platner, who Friday filed paperwork to officially withdraw from the race. — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 11 July 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