holes up

Definition of holes upnext
present tense third-person singular of hole up
as in hides
to remain out of sight we'll hole up in the cellar and wait out the hurricane

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of holes up Adelaida holes up in her mother’s apartment, unable to bring herself to pack up or even sort through her things, ignoring the banging and shouting from the street below. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025 In this Canadian oddity, the fictional band Triton holes up in a farmhouse to record their new album. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025 Now on the run after escaping from prison, Manchester holes up in a local Toys R’ Us for several months. Katherine Singh, Refinery29, 9 Sep. 2025 Canes defenders gave Notre Dame receivers too much cushion in coverage, the interior of the defense allowed too many holes up the middle and linebacker Mohamed Toure busted coverage on Eli Raridon’s 65-yard catch and run, setting up Carr’s 7-yard run for the tying touchdown. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025 Quick and decisive in the middle of the Pondo defense, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior has the power to shed blockers and plug holes up front, and the speed to track down ball-carriers on the edge. Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 18 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holes up
Verb
  • In fact, Ross typically hides from no one, usually strolling through the locker room to make his exit.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
  • In season 5, episode 2, Karen hides in the tub with her daughter, Holly, while holding her breath to hide from a demogorgon—this scene truly depicts a mother’s unconditional love.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Their latest album, The Sludge of the Land, promises to unsettle your sensibilities by exploring the churning zone of kitsch that lurks behind more respectable musical forms.
    H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Below-average play is often staring you right in the face while catastrophe lurks around the corner.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But beneath the postcard imagery lies one of Southeast Asia’s most complex transportation networks.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
  • To the south lies Hyde Park, perfect for morning walks, and to the west are the South Kensington museums—the Victoria & Albert, the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum—all about 10 minutes on foot.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Holes up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holes%20up. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!