holder

noun

hold·​er ˈhōl-dər How to pronounce holder (audio)
Synonyms of holdernext
1
: a person that holds: such as
a(1)
: owner
(2)
: tenant
b
: a person in possession of and legally entitled to receive payment of a bill, note, or check
2
: a device that holds
a cigarette holder

Synonyms of holder

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Examples of holder in a Sentence

She is the holder of an honorary degree. the holder of a world record
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.
Debris was inside the ice scoop holder and in contact with it. — Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026 In the premium live event, the two women’s title-holders will square off for the Crown Jewel Championship. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Anthropic’s actions allow users to create derivative songs without paying the copyright holders, the lawsuit says. — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 According to a survey by Bank of America, a quarter of family offices have had a generational transition in the past decade and more than a quarter have principals (chief wealth holders) who are baby boomers. — Robert Frank, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for holder

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of holder was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing holder

Rhymes for holder

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Browse Nearby Words

holdenite
holder
holder-forth
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Holder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holder. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

holder

noun
hold·​er ˈhōl-dər How to pronounce holder (audio)
1
: a person that holds
especially : a legal owner
2
: a device that holds

Legal Definition

holder

noun
hold·​er
1
: a person that holds: as
a
: owner
the holder of a patent
—often used in combination
a stockholder
b
: one that holds or occupies the property of another by agreement and especially under a lease
2
a
: a person who under the Uniform Commercial Code is in possession of a negotiable instrument that names and is made payable to the possessor or that is payable to bearer
b
: a person under the Uniform Commercial Code in possession of goods named in a document of title if the goods are deliverable to bearer or to the order of the possessor
3
in the civil law of Louisiana : an individual (as a trustee or debtor) or legal or commercial entity that under the Civil Code's provisions for disposition of unclaimed property is in possession of property belonging to another
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