holding

[hohl-ding]

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that holds. hold.

2. a section of land leased or otherwise tenanted, especially for agricultural purposes.

3. a company owned by a holding company.

4. Often holdings. legally owned property, especially stocks, bonds, or real estate.

5. Library Science.,  holdings, the entire collection of books, periodicals, and other materials in a library.

6. Sports.,  the illegal obstruction of an opponent, as in football, basketball, or ice hockey, by use of the hands, arms, or stick.

holding

/ ˈhəʊldɪŋ /

noun

1. land held under a lease and used for agriculture or similar purposes

2. (often plural) property to which the holder has legal title, such as land, stocks, shares, and other investments

3. sport the obstruction of an opponent with the hands or arms, esp in boxing

adjective

1. informal,  in funds; having money

Other Word Forms

• preholding noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of holding¹

First recorded in 1175–1225, holding is from the Middle English word holding. See hold ¹, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“While announcing his ruling holding the defendant to answer, Judge Monguia expressed his opinion that the video did not show self-defense,” the panel wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

The last 15 minutes it was all hands to the pump in defence and holding out for the point.

From BBC

He told MPs that he was "perplexed that the first minister has not welcomed it", adding: "I would have expected the first minister to be holding a press conference to celebrate what we've done."

From BBC

The Reform UK leader was in Washington DC giving evidence to a US congressional committee holding a hearing into whether European laws "threaten Americans' right to speak freely in the US".

From BBC

As he poses the question, Cardi walks over to another individual holding a pen and waiting for her autograph.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• equity 
• goods 
• ownership 
• property