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 Harris campaign has eagerly courted the holdouts, giving prime Democratic convention speaking slots to former Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan. —David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2024

While the 49ers offense has been debilitated during training camp with the hold-in by Brandon Aiyuk, the holdout by Trent Williams and a calf injury to Christian McCaffrey, Kittle looks as good as ever at age 30. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2024

Verb

Tom Zimmer, who owns Calypso Farm, dug a hole in the deep brown soil and held out a small apple sapling to a group of trainees from across the state. —Anna Canny, NPR, 13 Sep. 2024

In the film, Harry Dean Stanton plays Travis, a mute drifter holding out hope for reuniting with his wife (Nastassja Kinski) and their young son. —Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 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