hole up

verb

holed up; holing up; holes up
Synonyms of hole upnext

intransitive verb

: to hide out in or as if in a hole or cave

transitive verb

: to place in or as if in a refuge or hiding place

Examples of hole up in a Sentence

we'll hole up in the cellar and wait out the hurricane
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.
McInerney fans may take a few sniffs opening weekend, and Fox fans may hole up for a couple weeks of curious glances, but Bright Lights boxoffice prospects seem mighty dim. Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026 When this writer foolishly forgot her iPods inside the Palais, the 15-minute walk to fetch them — during which I was almost toppled over by wind and accosted by sleet — was enough to make her hole up in her hotel room for the rest of the day. Marta Balaga, Variety, 28 Mar. 2026 Currently, the Connecticut resident has been holed up at home after slipping on the stoop at his old friend Marsha Mason’s house. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 22 Mar. 2026 The idea was hatched during the pandemic, when Kevin and Kyra were holed up together and going stir crazy. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hole up

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of hole up was in 1875

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hole up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hole%20up. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

hole up

verb
: to take shelter in or as if in a hole or cave
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