hold on

verb

held on; holding on; holds on

intransitive verb

1

a

: to maintain a condition or position : persist

b

: to maintain a grasp on something : hang on

2

: to await something (such as a telephone connection) desired or requested

broadly : wait

Phrases

hold on to

: to maintain possession of or adherence to

Synonyms

• abide
• bide
• continue
• endure
• hold up
• keep up
• last
• perdure
• persist
• remain
• run on

Examples of hold on in a Sentence

the ancient beliefs still held on in remote mountain villages

hold on a minute—it's not your turn

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, the Bellator champion was able to retain and hold on to his title and remain undefeated. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024

The inventor of Bitcoin famously held on to 1.1 million coins — or 5% of the 21 million Bitcoins that will ever be mined, according to the protocols laid out in the white paper. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 19 Oct. 2024

In-person absentee voting is also held on certain days in the two weeks leading up to Election Day. —Staff, USA TODAY, 18 Oct. 2024

Jimenez is being held on a $1.5 million bond, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. —Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

hold on

verb

1

: to keep a hold

2

: wait entry 1 sense 1a