hand-holding

noun

hand-hold·​ing ˈhan(d)-ˌhōl-diŋ How to pronounce hand-holding (audio)
Synonyms of hand-holdingnext
: solicitous attention, support, or instruction (as in servicing clients)
… a growing user population that wants training, troubleshooting, and hand-holding …—Datamation
hand-holder
ˈhan(d)-ˌhōl-dər How to pronounce hand-holding (audio)
noun

Examples of hand-holding in a Sentence

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.
There's no hand-holding, though. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026 The service Don't expect any hand-holding here. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026 The math starts to favor hiring an experienced worker who needs less hand-holding. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 May 2026 Regular feedback doesn't have to mean long meetings or emotional hand-holding either. — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand-holding

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hand-holding was in 1967

Rhymes for hand-holding

See All Rhymes for hand-holding

Browse Nearby Words

handhold
hand-holding
handhole
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hand-holding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hand-holding. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hand-holding

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