handhold

noun

hand·​hold ˈhand-ˌhōld How to pronounce handhold (audio)
Synonyms of handholdnext
1
: hold, grip
2
: something to hold on to (as in mountain climbing)

Synonyms of handhold

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Examples of handhold in a Sentence

she tried to maintain her tight handhold on the umbrella as the wind picked up
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.
The rock wall offered no handholds, and the waves might easily have beaten us unconscious on the rocks. — Jim Hoagland, Outdoor Life, 30 Apr. 2026 That would cut off access to the narrow gaps between train cars where subway surfers use handholds to hoist themselves onto the roof. — Dave Smith, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025 The other was the rescue of two women who cliffed out on the famous Via Ferrata in Telluride where there are cables and handholds along with iron rungs. — Alan Gionet, CBS News, 18 June 2026 Etherington’s team responded by rappelling the entire route, hand-cleaning every potential handhold with towels and baby wipes. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handhold

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of handhold was in 1643

Rhymes for handhold

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Browse Nearby Words

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handhold
hand-holding
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Cite this Entry

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

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