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 Windows 11 fun and games continues, with another new twist in the battle to push hundreds of millions of stubborn Windows 10 holdouts to update their software and maybe their hardware as well. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

The utility, which has 855,000 water customers, began adding fluoride in July 2004, abandoning its distinction as the last fluoride holdout among Florida’s largest counties. —Martin E. Comas, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Dec. 2024

Verb

While searching for a new dog, the optometrist assistant from Fort Wayne, Indiana, held out hope that a rescue golden retriever would find their way to the couple. —Kelli Bender, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

Some believe Ernst is one of the GOP members holding out support for Hegseth, which could lead to a harsh confirmation hearing and process for the former Fox News host. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 7 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