behold

verb

be·​hold bi-ˈhōld How to pronounce behold (audio)
bē-
beheld bi-ˈheld How to pronounce behold (audio)
bē-
; beholding

transitive verb

1
: to perceive through sight or apprehension : see
2
: to gaze upon : observe
It was a pleasure to behold the beauty of the sunset.
The enormous crowd was a sight to behold.

intransitive verb

used in the imperative especially to call attention
beholder noun

Examples of behold in a Sentence

Those who have beheld the beauty of the desert never forget it. to anyone who beholds the immense complexity of life on earth
Recent Examples on the Web The palpable anger in these responses is something to behold. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 23 Oct. 2024 Being a Zimmerman show, the dragons, birdmen, and creatures and complications that pop up will be a wonder to behold. Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2024 With war still raging in Ukraine, the country’s artistry is even more of a wonder to behold. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2024 The Brown-Tatum vengeance tour could be something to behold. Sean Gregory, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for behold 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'behold.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to keep, behold, from Old English behealdan, from be- + healdan to hold

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of behold was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near behold

Cite this Entry

“Behold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behold. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

behold

verb
be·​hold bi-ˈhōld How to pronounce behold (audio)
beheld -ˌheld How to pronounce behold (audio) ; beholding
: to look upon : see
beholder noun

More from Merriam-Webster on behold

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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