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

But with looming uncertainty, the landlord chose certainty of occupancy over a speculative holdout for higher rents. —Allen Buchanan, Orange County Register, 26 Oct. 2024

The 501st Marine Battalion was not among the final holdouts. —David Axe, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Verb

The main garrison—more than 2,000 strong—held out for three months, eventually falling back to the Azovstal steel plant before finally surrendering in late May 2022 when food, ammunition and medicine ran out. —David Axe, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

They're being held out of Wednesday's game because of lingering injuries, per ESPN. —Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 22 Oct. 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