holdback

1 of 2

noun

hold·​back ˈhōl(d)-ˌbak How to pronounce holdback (audio)
1
: something that retains or restrains
2
a
: the act of holding back
b
: something held back

hold back

2 of 2

verb

held back; holding back; holds back

transitive verb

1
a
: to hinder the progress or achievement of : restrain
b
: to keep from advancing to the next stage, grade, or level
2
: to refrain from revealing or parting with
held back important information

intransitive verb

1
: to keep oneself in check
2
: to refrain from revealing or parting with something

Examples of holdback in a Sentence

Noun there'll be a holdback on production until the new machinery is fully installed the only holdback to starting the new job is my contractual commitment to my current position Verb the only thing holding them back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation held back her tears until she was alone
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The other half of the moneys would be released to the clients' captives within 180 days, less some holdback that would last until the reinsurance policy expired (usually at the end of the year), plus some additional days tacked on for the extended reporting period. Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024 The best rooms look as though they've been decorated over time, like this one featuring a collection of distressed wood dressers, a metal bed frame, and antique drapery holdbacks. Andrea Crowley, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023
Verb
But again, the slow offensive start hasn’t held back the Thunder in the slightest. Nick Crain, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 In another image, taken after the fight broke out, two young men appear to hold back a third one, who is facing the camera, staring blankly ahead. Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for holdback 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'holdback.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1535, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of holdback was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near holdback

Cite this Entry

“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holdback. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

hold back

verb
1
: to make difficult the progress or achievement of
2
: to keep from revealing or giving
held back important information
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