: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
After spending Thursday trying to sway Republican holdouts to back his bid to retain the speaker's gavel, Mike Johnson's future could still come down to a single GOP vote Friday when House holds elects a new leader as the 119th Congress begins. Lauren Peller, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2025 Leadership in 2024 was dynamic, demanding and at times, exposed a few cracks —some new, others stubborn holdouts from the past. Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
Maybe the appeal of saving $100 will finally convince you to splurge on a Garmin smartwatch after holding out for eons. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2024 Overcome with emotion, the surprised fiancée nodded her head before holding out her hand for Brown to put the ring on her finger. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for holdout 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1908, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1556, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of holdout was circa 1556

Dictionary Entries Near holdout

Cite this Entry

“Holdout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holdout. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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