hold on

verb

held on; holding on; holds on
Synonyms of hold onnext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to maintain a condition or position : persist
b
: to maintain a grasp on something : hang on
2
: to await something (such as a telephone connection) desired or requested
broadly : wait
see also:
hold on to

Synonyms of hold on

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Examples of hold on in a Sentence

the ancient beliefs still held on in remote mountain villages hold on a minute—it's not your turn
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 best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026 Public hearings for the case were held on two separate days in march and April, with more than 30 people attending, the court said. — ABC News, 6 July 2026 All Harris needed was a 10-men England side to hold on as El Tri mercilessly delivered crosses into the box. — Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 7 July 2026 Having a major turnout could prove important as Iran tries to leverage its hold on the Strait of Hormuz in negotiations as concern lingers that Israel could attack again. — Nasser Karimi, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hold on

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of hold on was in the 13th century

Rhymes for hold on

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Browse Nearby Words

hold off on
hold on
hold one's breath
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hold%20on. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

hold on

verb
1
: to keep a hold
2
: wait entry 1 sense 1a

More from Merriam-Webster on hold on

Nglish: Translation of hold on for Spanish Speakers

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