holdout

1 of 2

noun

hold·​out ˈhōld-ˌau̇t 

: one that holds out (as in negotiations)

also : an instance of holding out

hold out

2 of 2

verb

held out; holding out; holds out

intransitive verb

1

: to remain unsubdued or unyielding

where 30 of the … refugees were still holding out

—Anna Tomforde

also : to continue to function or be available : last entry 1

prayed that the engine would hold out

as long as our money holds out

2

: to refuse to go along with others in a concerted action or to come to an agreement

holding out for a shorter workweek

transitive verb

1

: to present as something realizable : proffer

2

: to represent to be

Phrases

hold out on

: to withhold something (such as information) from

Synonyms

Verb

• hold up
• keep up
• last
• prevail
• survive

Examples of holdout in a Sentence

Noun

He says he might be a holdout at the start of the next season if the team doesn't agree to pay him more.

He is expected to end his three-week holdout and join the team tomorrow.

A few holdouts still use typewriters, but nearly everybody uses computers now.

Verb

we hoped our supply of firewood would hold out until power was restored

luckily, the old outboard motor held out till we made it to shore

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The shifts have come after Trump allies in Washington and in the news media underscored the importance of the president-elect getting his preferred administration in place and shone a glaring spotlight on potential holdouts, making clear that nothing short of their political survival was at stake. —Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 10 Dec. 2024

If part of the push to get Windows 10 holdouts to stop holding out is the raft of shiny new AI features coming on stream, then Recall is the flagship offering presented as part of all that. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

Verb

Maybe the appeal of saving $100 will finally convince you to splurge on a Garmin smartwatch after holding out for eons. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2024

Overcome with emotion, the surprised fiancée nodded her head before holding out her hand for Brown to put the ring on her finger. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1908, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1556, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Kids Definition

hold out

verb

1

: to remain in being : last

hope the food holds out

2

: to remain unyielding : refuse to surrender or give in

held out until help arrived

holdout

ˈhōl-ˌdau̇t

noun