hand-holding

noun

hand-hold·​ing ˈhan(d)-ˌhōl-diŋ How to pronounce hand-holding (audio)
: solicitous attention, support, or instruction (as in servicing clients)
hand-holder 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.
Lack Of Initiative Startups need self-starters who can tackle challenges without excessive hand-holding. Abdo Riani, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 Between my parents there was not the slightest gesture of fondness; no hand-holding or sitting close with arms around each other; and hardly ever a kiss. Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025 Zanna Clay/Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary Interestingly, this challenges common thought that chimpanzees settle disputes with aggression and hierarchical dominance, and instead display social bonding behavior through acts like grooming and hand-holding. New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2025 Unlike Love Island or Too Hot to Handle, the smiles, eye contact and brief hand-holding do all the talking in Single’s Inferno. Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025 The lack of eye contact, smiles, or hand-holding between the couple, suggesting discomfort. Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 Between my parents there was not the slightest gesture of fondness; no hand-holding or sitting close with arms around each other; and hardly ever a kiss. Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025 Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are in their hand-holding era! Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 15 Oct. 2023 Children younger than 7 are admitted free with a hand-holding adult. Sam Boyer, cleveland, 25 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Hand-holding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hand-holding. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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